South Africa set up Wafcon quarter-final against Morocco after Burkina Faso win

South Africa secured a place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Casablanca on Tuesday night.

Banyana Banyana will now face hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals and securing a place at the 2027 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

The result at Stade Moulay Rachid completed the outcome South Africa needed to escape Group B. Desiree Ellis’ side had to beat Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, while also taking all three points from their meeting with Tanzania. That sequence of results ultimately fell into place.

South Africa’s progress was also helped by Ivory Coast’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the other Group B fixture, played at Stade Larbi Zaouli. The result ensured that South Africa finished second in the group behind Ivory Coast, with four points.

The victory was particularly important for Ellis and her players after a difficult start to the tournament. Banyana Banyana had lost to Tanzania before drawing with Ivory Coast, leaving them under pressure ahead of their final group match.

They responded with a much-improved display against Burkina Faso, although the slender margin of victory means they will need to raise their level again when they take on Morocco in the last eight.

Ellis selected a team containing several experienced players as she sought to secure qualification. Kaylin Swart, Bambanani Mbane, Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Hildah Magaia, Noxolo Cesane and Thembi Kgatlana were all named in the starting line-up.

South Africa made the breakthrough in the 21st minute. Kgatlana finished a move after receiving a defence-splitting pass from midfield by Fikile Magama, giving Banyana Banyana the lead.

That goal proved decisive as South Africa held on to complete a hard-fought win and reach the knockout stage.

The match also brought two personal milestones. Magaia reached an individual landmark during the contest, while Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado came on as a second-half substitute and earned her 50th cap for the national team.

South Africa’s reward is a quarter-final against Morocco in Rabat on Saturday. The fixture carries added significance beyond a place in the semi-finals, with qualification for the 2027 Fifa World Cup in Brazil also at stake.

Having finished second in Group B behind Ivory Coast, Banyana Banyana must now overcome the host nation to continue their Wafcon campaign. Their victory over Burkina Faso ensured they remain in contention after a group stage in which they were required to recover from defeat by Tanzania and a draw with Ivory Coast.