Banyana Banyana’s strength and character will be put to the ultimate test on Saturday evening when they face hosts Morocco in a high-stakes quarterfinal of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The match at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat kicks off at 10pm South African time, with more than a place in the WAFCON semi-finals at stake.
For South Africa, defeat would bring their continental campaign to an end and force them into the World Cup qualification play-offs, while victory would take Desiree Ellis’ charges into the semi-finals and secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The pressure is enormous.
Morocco enter the quarterfinal on the back of two victories and a draw, having yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
Banyana, meanwhile, have had a far more difficult route to the last eight. They won one, drew one and lost one of their three Group B matches before squeezing through to the knockout stage.
Despite their struggles, Ellis remains confident that her team can rise to the occasion.
“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,” said Ellis.
“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 courage.”
Ellis believes the clean sheet in their final group match could provide the confidence needed against a Morocco side that has been defensively solid throughout the tournament.
“Keeping a clean sheet in our last match has given us some momentum going into this game,” she added.
The quarterfinal brings back memories of the 2022 WAFCON final, also played in Morocco, where Banyana defeated the hosts to lift the continental crown.
South Africa also defeated Morocco in a friendly in November last year.
But Ellis insists those results will count for nothing when the two sides meet again.
“This is a once-off game, one that says who wants it more. Past results don’t matter in this match,” she said.
“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. You have to give your all for this automatic spot.”
The Banyana coach is also aware of the threat posed by the home side and the intimidating atmosphere expected in Rabat.
“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.”
South African defender Karabo Dhlamini echoed her coach’s determination, saying the squad is embracing the challenge rather than fearing it.
“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,” said Dhlamini.
“They show how much teams want to qualify, and I think it’s going to be one of the greatest games.”
For Dhlamini, however, the match carries an added significance for the younger members of the squad who are dreaming of playing on football’s biggest stage.
“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.”
The other quarterfinals will see Cameroon face Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire take on Algeria, while Mali go head-to-head with Ghana.
The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the four quarterfinal losers will have another opportunity to reach the global showpiece through the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
For Banyana Banyana, however, there is only one immediate objective in Rabat: survive the Moroccan challenge and book their place in the last four.
