CAPE TOWN – Banyana Banyana’s hopes of securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup were dealt a blow as hosts Morocco edged South Africa 2-1 in a dramatic 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night.
South Africa entered the knockout clash after finishing second in Group B, following a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso, knowing victory would take them one step closer to World Cup qualification.
The opening stages were tightly contested, with neither side able to create a clear-cut opportunity in the first 10 minutes. Banyana Banyana showed plenty of character as they looked to break down a disciplined Moroccan defence.
Captain Refiloe Jane came close to providing the breakthrough in the 13th minute when her free-kick was saved by Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, with South Africa earning a corner from the rebound.
Desiree Ellis side continued to push, with striker Thembi Kgatlana making dangerous runs behind the Moroccan defence. However, one promising attack in the 20th minute was halted by an offside call.
Morocco eventually broke the deadlock in the 31st minute. Sakina Ouzraoui found space just outside the Banyana Banyana box and unleashed a powerful volley that flew beyond Kaylin Swart to put the hosts 1-0 ahead.
The goal slowed the tempo as Morocco protected their advantage, and the hosts went into the halftime break with the lead.
The 2022 WAFCON champions came out with greater urgency after the restart, but their task became even harder in the 48th minute when Noxolo Cesane conceded a penalty inside the box. Hanane Ait El Haj made no mistake from the spot two minutes later, to double Morocco’s advantage.
South Africa responded almost immediately. Kgatlana found the back of the net, but the assistant referee initially raised the flag for offside. VAR intervened, however, and after a review the goal was awarded, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
The goal injected fresh energy into Banyana Banyana, who began putting the hosts under sustained pressure. Cesane came close when her effort was deflected and saved by Er-Rmichi for South Africa corner.
Ellis introduced Robyn Moodaly-Salgado for Amogelang Motau before Lebohang Ramalepe replaced Cesane in the 72nd minute as South Africa searched for an equaliser.
Linda Motlhalo was later replaced by Ronnel Donnelly as Banyana Banyana threw numbers forward, but Morocco held firm.
Despite late pressure from South Africa, the hosts held on to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in the WAFCON semi-finals, ending Banyana Banyana’s campaign.
