WAFCON 2026: Thembi Kgatlana backs Banyana Banyana experience to deliver against Morocco

Banyana Banyana forward Thembi Kgatlana believes South Africa’s wealth of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations experience could give them a crucial advantage when they face hosts Morocco in a high-stakes quarterfinal clash.

The two sides meet in Rabat on Saturday with more than just a place in the WAFCON semifinals at stake. Victory would also secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, as the four semifinalists from the continental tournament earn automatic tickets to the global showpiece.

Kgatlana, who scored the decisive goal that sent South Africa into the last eight, insists Banyana’s history in the competition will help them handle the pressure of the occasion.

“Right now the most important thing is to recover to make sure that we arrive in the quarterfinals fresh. We have the experience … we’ve played Wafcon so many times and we understand the importance of focusing on ourselves,” Kgatlana said.

South Africa arrive at the knockout stage with a strong tournament pedigree, having featured in all 15 editions of the WAFCON since the competition began in 1995. Their only title came in 2022, when they defeated Morocco in the final in Rabat to claim their first continental crown.

Morocco, meanwhile, have made just five appearances in the tournament but have quickly emerged as one of Africa’s rising forces after reaching the final on home soil three years ago.

Banyana survive slow start to reach quarterfinals

South Africa’s journey to the knockout rounds was far from comfortable. Desiree Ellis’ side began their Group B campaign with a defeat and a draw against Tanzania and Ivory Coast, leaving their qualification hopes in danger.

However, Banyana recovered when it mattered most, edging Burkina Faso 1-0 in their final group match in Casablanca thanks to Kgatlana’s late goal. Ivory Coast’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the other group fixture also played a key role in helping South Africa progress.

Kgatlana admitted the team did not begin the tournament at their best but believes their ability to fight through difficult moments demonstrates their character.

“We started the tournament really slowly but we started to get our momentum against Ivory Coast. We’ve always known the importance of going into the quarterfinals, so we were not just going to give up that easy,” she said.

The Racing Louisville forward added that tournament football is often about securing results rather than producing perfect performances.

“Sometimes football isn’t nice and beautiful, with tactics. Sometimes it’s just about getting the three points to move forward and that’s what we needed.”

World Cup dream drives South Africa

With a place at the World Cup on the line, Kgatlana says the mood within the squad has changed after securing qualification for the quarterfinals.

“Now everyone is happy and smiling in the locker room because they know how much it means for us to go through.”

Banyana Banyana will now rely on their experience, resilience and familiarity with pressure situations as they attempt to overcome Morocco once again and move closer to defending their status as Africa’s champions.