Kgatlana sends South Africa into Wafcon quarter-finals

South Africa reached the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso, secured by another late Thembi Kgatlana goal in their final Group B match at Prince Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.

The result saw Banyana Banyana finish second in the group on four points, three behind winners Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast defeated Tanzania 2-1 in the other match, a result which ensured South Africa progressed.

That victory was especially important because South Africa had lost their opening game to Tanzania. Had Tanzania avoided defeat against Ivory Coast, the head-to-head rule would have worked against Banyana Banyana and they would have been eliminated.

South Africa will now face hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday. They must win that match to reach the semi-finals and qualify automatically for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, with the four Wafcon semi-finalists earning places at the tournament.

Defeat would not end South Africa’s World Cup hopes, but it would force them to qualify through the demanding continental and inter-continental play-offs.

Banyana Banyana had not previously entered the final round of the Wafcon group stage needing victory to progress for 10 years. On that occasion, they responded by beating Egypt 5-0, and there was optimism that they could produce a similar performance in Casablanca.

However, the South Africans had endured a disappointing group campaign before Tuesday’s match. Sloppy defending contributed to their defeat by Tanzania, while they were held to a draw by Ivory Coast.

Coach Desiree Ellis had insisted that confidence remained high in the camp and that her side would attack Burkina Faso from the outset while hoping for help from the result in the other group fixture.

Her players made the ideal start. Kaylin Swart dealt with an early threat by cutting out a dangerous through ball, settling South Africa after a nervy opening period. Banyana Banyana then began to control possession and find space in the final third.

Captain Refiloe Jane, who celebrated her 34th birthday, dictated the pace of the contest. Isabella Ludwig, one of two changes to the side that drew with Ivory Coast, was given licence to move across the pitch and contribute in advanced areas.

South Africa eventually made their pressure count when Burkina Faso, known as the Lady Stallions, failed to clear the ball. Fikile Magama’s pass found Kgatlana, who kept her composure to place her finish beyond goalkeeper Nina Dabilgou.

Kgatlana missed the chance to double the advantage before half-time. Jane’s clever free-kick routine created the opening, but Kgatlana lifted her close-range effort over the crossbar.

South Africa took their narrow lead into the interval, but Ellis made two substitutions at half-time. Amogelang Motau and Lebohang Ramalepe replaced Linda Motlhalo and Noxolo Cesane.

The match then appeared to turn against Banyana Banyana when referee Aline Etong awarded Burkina Faso a penalty, ruling that Antonia Maponya had brought down an opponent who was advancing towards goal. After reviewing the incident at the VAR monitor, however, Etong overturned the decision.

South Africa continued to push forward, with Kgatlana leading the attack and repeatedly delivering dangerous balls into the penalty area. Her team-mates were unable to convert those opportunities, leaving Banyana Banyana vulnerable despite their control of the game.

Ellis introduced further attacking options, including Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, in an attempt to give Kgatlana more support. South Africa could not find a second goal, but the single strike proved sufficient.

Kgatlana’s finish, combined with Ivory Coast’s win over Tanzania, was enough to take Banyana Banyana through to the last eight.