Sasol backs Banyana Banyana despite Morocco defeat

Sasol says it remains satisfied with the progress of Banyana Banyana despite South Africa’s disappointing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ending with a quarter-final defeat by hosts Morocco.

The result meant Banyana Banyana missed out on automatic qualification for the World Cup, but the team secured another opportunity to reach the global tournament by beating long-time rivals Nigeria 2-1 on Thursday night.

That victory at Moulay Rachid Stadium earned South Africa one of the two CAF places in the international play-offs. Sasol sponsorship manager Dean Somerset said the team’s development remained encouraging, particularly after coach Desiree Ellis gave opportunities to younger players during the tournament.

“We are very pleased that the team qualified for Wafcon. We know that the women’s football landscape on the continent has changed dramatically since we were crowned the champions in 2022, so we didn’t take it as an automatic that the team will be at this year’s tournament,” Somerset said.

South Africa began the competition as the reigning champions, having won the 2022 edition, but their challenge ended against Morocco in the last eight. The defeat also denied them a direct route to the World Cup.

Despite that setback, Somerset believes the team is developing in the right direction.

“Looking back at the past three weeks, I am pleased that coach Des [Ellis] has considered some young talent. That’s pleasing for us because it shows that the growth of the game is continuing.”

Sasol, which is Banyana Banyana’s main sponsor, remains positive about the side’s overall position. The company also welcomed the opportunity for Ellis to bring emerging players into the squad during a period of increased competition across the continent.

“Overall we are pleased, though the team didn’t qualify automatically for the World Cup after losing to Morocco in the quarterfinals,” Somerset said.

“From a playing perspective, I think the team is in a healthy spot, and definitely the future looks bright with the young talent coach Des has integrated into the team.”

South Africa will now enter the World Cup intercontinental play-offs in pot two alongside Papua New Guinea. The draw is scheduled to take place in Zurich on Thursday.

The qualifying play-offs will be staged over two phases. The first phase will be held in November and December, with six teams competing for two World Cup places. The line-up will include two teams from Africa, two from Asia, one from Oceania and one from South America.

The two successful teams from that stage will then join four sides that have received byes in the second phase in February next year. Those four teams will comprise two from Concacaf, one from Europe and one from South America.

Three final World Cup places will be available in that second phase.

Although the defeat by Morocco prevented Banyana Banyana from qualifying automatically, their win against Nigeria kept their campaign alive and gave them a further route to the World Cup. Sasol’s backing reflects its belief that the squad’s next generation, alongside the experience already in Ellis’ team, can help South Africa remain competitive.