Banyana Banyana turn attention to Morocco knockout clash and 2027 World Cup place

Banyana Banyana have moved on from a difficult group stage and are targeting victory over hosts Morocco on Saturday, with a place in the 2027 World Cup at stake in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final in Rabat.

South Africa secured their passage to the last eight with a narrow 1-0 win against Burkina Faso at Prince Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca on Tuesday night. The result left them second in Group B on four points, three behind group winners Ivory Coast.

To reach the knockout stage, however, Banyana needed more than victory over the Lady Stallions. Their progression also depended on Ivory Coast beating Tanzania, because head-to-head records determine the final standings when teams are level on points.

South Africa’s opening defeat by Tanzania meant that a positive result for the Twiga Stars in the group’s other concluding match could have jeopardised Banyana’s position. Instead, the required results went their way, leaving the squad relieved but focused on the challenge ahead.

A win against Morocco would take Banyana into the semi-finals and secure qualification for the 2027 World Cup as one of the four Wafcon semi-finalists.

The South Africans can draw on considerable experience in the competition’s knockout rounds. They have also beaten the Atlas Lionesses in two successive meetings, including the 2022 Wafcon final, which was played in Morocco.

Thembi Kgatlana scored the decisive goal against Burkina Faso and believes that previous experience will be important as the team prepares for another high-pressure encounter.

“I think right now the most important thing is to recover and make sure that we arrive at the quarter-final fresh,” Kgatlana said. “For us, that’s the best thing that we can do.

“We are in a tournament, and we have the experience of being in this environment. We have played Wafcon many times. I think we understand why it’s important for us to focus on ourselves and take it one game at a time.”

South Africa’s route through Group B included a defeat by Tanzania, a draw with Ivory Coast and the victory over Burkina Faso. Midfielder Isabella Ludwig believes that gradual improvement could provide encouragement for the remainder of the tournament.

“I think it hasn’t been an easy road, but we are getting on the right trajectory,” Ludwig said. “Obviously, we got a loss, a draw, and now a win. It’s picking up. So hopefully we can continue on an upward trajectory.

“The team is strong. We are fighting, and there’s good morale now after getting a positive result. Hopefully, going into the next game, it will get even better.”

Banyana have played three matches and would have three more remaining if they are to win a second continental title in three tournaments. Ludwig said the team could sense that its objective was within reach.

“I think the finish line is very close, so it’s important that we keep pushing,” Ludwig said. “It’s a step in the right direction, and we just want to maintain this momentum.”

The midfielder is among the players making their first appearance at the continental showpiece. Coach Desiree Ellis retained 16 members of the squad that won the 2022 title, but Ludwig is one of the new faces seeking to make an impact.

After making her first Wafcon start against Burkina Faso, the Mamelodi Sundowns player was pleased with the opportunity but admitted she wanted to be more clinical in front of goal.

“I am really happy. It was great to start the game,” Ludwig said. “It would have been better if I had managed to score. I had a few opportunities that I should have converted, but nonetheless, it was a good start.

“On a personal level, I hope to build on this momentum and get my name on the scoresheet going forward.”