07 August 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana are just one match away from securing their spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup which will take place in Brazil.
The South African senior women’s national team face hosts Morocco in the quarterfinals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) where the winner will book their South American tickets. The two nations meet at the Moulay el Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night, with kickoff at 22h00 SA Time.
Morocco come into this match at the back of two wins, a draw and have not conceded a single goal, while Banyana Banyana were pushed all the way in Group B, emerging with a win, a draw and a loss. “We came out of a tough situation in our group, we know how big this game is because we are playing the hosts with fans in the stadium, but we can only control what we can control. I don’t think anyone needs any motivation as the winner goes directly to the World Cup, and it is a big moment for both teams. We have to be brave of course, there will be moments that will be tough, and I think the way we faced our group really showed a lot of resilience and a lot of courage. Keeping a clean sheet in our last match has given us some momentum going into this game,” said Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis.
The last eight fixtures between South Africa and Morocco is a repeat the 2022 WAFCON final in Rabat which was won by Dr Ellis’ charges. Most recently, the two countries met in a friendly in November last year, also won by Banyana Banyana.
“This is a once off game, one that says who wants it more. Past results don’t matter in this match. It’s the final before the final, and yes, we all have one more route to try out for the World Cup if we don’t win, but you don’t want that, so you have to give your all for this automatic spot. We know the dangers they present, we also have to play, because no one is going to give it to you, you have to earn it,” added Dr Ellis.
South African defender, Karabo Dhlamini says they know what they are up against and will be ready for the clash.
“We all are aware that it’s not going to be an easy game and we are glad we got Morocco because these are the games that we like to play, they show how much teams want to qualify, and I think it’s going to be one of the greatest games. We have young players in the team who want to go to the World Cup, and I think we would like to help them achieve that dream,” said Dhlamini.
In the remaining three quarterfinals, Cameroon takes on Nigeria, Ivory Coast face Algeria, while Mali will go toe to toe with Ghana.
The semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 Brazil FIFA Women’s World Cup with the losing quartet go into the WC qualifying play-offs.
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