Thembi Kgatlana delivers late winner as South Africa secure 2026 Women’s AFCON spot

South Africa secured their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a narrow but crucial victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, sealed by a late goal from Thembi Kgatlana.

Having drawn 1–1 in the first leg, Banyana Banyana entered the return match aware that even the smallest lapse could prove costly.

They responded with urgency, driven by the pace and determination of their star forward.

Kgatlana threatened as early as the fourth minute, racing through on goal before sending her effort over the bar.

Minutes later, she tested goalkeeper Khonde again, forcing a strong save to keep the scores level.

South Africa maintained control, but the Congolese defence stood firm under pressure.

The breakthrough seemed to arrive in the 26th minute when Kgatlana finished calmly after finding space behind the defence, only for the flag to cut celebrations short.

Thembi Kgatlana comes incredibly close with her first touch!!

Footage courtesy of @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/QflNCSxtG7

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 28, 2025

The forward continued to probe, unleashing another dangerous strike before halftime that Khonde once more managed to parry.

The match tightened in the second half, with the visitors showing more composure and attempting to hit South Africa on the counter.

Thembi Kgatlana comes close again! pic.twitter.com/PeoJorxoTW

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 28, 2025

Both sides appeared weary as the decisive moment drew closer, and extra time loomed with the scoreline still goalless on the night.

Then, as stoppage time began, Kgatlana delivered the goal South Africa had been searching for.

Reacting quickly inside the box, she slotted home to finally beat Khonde and send the home crowd into celebration.

What a close call!! pic.twitter.com/Kd77mkWu0a

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 28, 2025

The goal gave Banyana Banyana a 2–1 win on aggregate and confirmed their qualification.

The result underlined Kgatlana’s importance to her national team, as she created the majority of South Africa’s danger and ultimately provided the difference.

Thembi Kgatlana once again, very close to scoring that much needed opener for the Sasol Banyana Banyana!!

Footage courtesy of @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/fLLbnQ4ASj

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 28, 2025

With their ticket to the 2026 Women’s AFCON now secured, South Africa turn their attention to preparing for another continental campaign — and once again, they will look to Kgatlana to lead the charge.

GOALLLLL!!!!!! Thembi Kgatlana makes it 1 – 0 for Sasol Banyana Banyana!!! pic.twitter.com/yqpqYf0wid

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 28, 2025