Banyana Banyana face World Cup play-offs after Morocco defeat

Banyana Banyana must now negotiate the play-offs for a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup after losing 2-1 to hosts Morocco in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final.

Thembi Kgatlana’s second-half goal gave South Africa hope at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Saturday night, but it was not enough to overturn goals from Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane Ait El Haj.

The defeat ended Banyana Banyana’s hopes of reaching a fifth successive Wafcon semi-final and leaves their route to next year’s World Cup in Brazil uncertain. They will play in a crucial play-off on Thursday, with the winners advancing to the inter-continental play-offs for a place at the finals.

Morocco’s victory extends a remarkable resurgence for the Atlas Lionesses, who have now secured qualification for a second successive World Cup after making their debut at the tournament in 2023. Their celebrations continued at a packed and vibrant stadium, where supporters in red and green dominated the atmosphere.

For South Africa, the loss capped a disappointing campaign in which their shortcomings had already been apparent during the group stage. Those problems became more pronounced in Rabat, where Banyana Banyana struggled to establish rhythm and appeared short of cohesion both on the pitch and among the coaching staff.

Desiree Ellis had arrived as the longest-serving coach at the tournament and had never failed to guide her side to the semi-finals in her previous four appearances. However, she appeared increasingly frustrated as South Africa failed to impose themselves against Morocco.

Fitness coach Ridhaa Allie and goalkeeper coach Lucky Shiburi were unusually vocal from the technical area for much of the first half, repeatedly issuing instructions from the touchline. Their involvement suggested the team was struggling to maintain its usual communication and structure.

Morocco coach Jorge Vilda, by contrast, appeared calm and assured as he moved along his technical area. His side controlled much of the contest, leaving Banyana Banyana to “chase shadows” beneath the Rabat floodlights.

The hosts applied pressure from the opening stages, although they did not immediately force Kaylin Swart into a serious save. Their pressing nevertheless pushed South Africa backwards and left Kgatlana isolated in attack. The forward worked tirelessly but received little support, while her team-mates were often late to challenges or gave possession away against an organised Moroccan defence.

Morocco took the lead shortly after the half-hour mark. Hanane Ait El Haj delivered a dangerous cross towards the area, where Sakina Ouzraoui was left unmarked. She lifted the ball over the advancing Swart, who could not prevent it from finding the net.

South Africa gathered in a huddle at half-time before returning to the dressing room, while Ellis remained on the touchline looking concerned.

Morocco doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when Noxolo Cesane’s challenge on Ghizlane Chebbak inside the penalty area resulted in a spot-kick. Referee Josephine Wanjiku awarded the penalty and Ait El Haj sent a powerful effort beyond Swart.

The two-goal deficit appeared to bring greater urgency from Banyana Banyana. They began to see more possession and attacked with increased purpose, eventually reducing the arrears through Kgatlana.

Karabo Dhlamini threaded a pass through to the forward, who finished beyond Khadija Er-Ramichi. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a lengthy VAR review confirmed it should stand.

South Africa then went close to an equaliser when Robyn Moodaly-Salgado’s diagonal effort was brilliantly saved by Er-Ramichi.

The late pressure ultimately produced no reward, leaving Banyana Banyana with the more difficult route to Brazil and Thursday’s play-off as their next opportunity to keep their World Cup hopes alive.