By Levy Masiteng
Banyana Banyana’s hopes of defending their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown came to an end after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco in a dramatic quarter-final clash in Rabat on Saturday night.
The match was played on Saturday at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, with kick-off at 10pm South African time.
South Africa entered the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B, but found themselves behind in the 31st minute when Morocco’s Sakina Ouzraoui produced a superb finish.
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Hanane Aït El Haj delivered a cross from deep and Ouzraoui connected with a volley that lifted the ball beyond goalkeeper Kaylin Swart to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Banyana had opportunities to respond, but Morocco went into the half-time break with their advantage intact.
The hosts doubled their lead early in the second half after South Africa were penalised for a foul on Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak inside the box. Hanane Aït El Haj stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to put Morocco 2-0 ahead.
Banyana, however, refused to go quietly.
Thembi Kgatlana gave South Africa renewed hope with 23 minutes remaining, beating the offside trap after receiving a pass from Karabo Dhlamini before firing a low finish into the net.
The goal sparked a late push from Desiree Ellis’ side, with Banyana seeing more of the ball and searching desperately for an equaliser. But Morocco held firm to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in the semi-finals.
The defeat was a painful end to Banyana Banyana’s title defence.
South Africa entered the tournament as the reigning African champions after winning their maiden WAFCON title in 2022, when they defeated Morocco 2-1 in the final in Rabat.
This time, however, Morocco turned the tables on home soil.
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The result also has major consequences for South Africa’s hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Morocco’s victory secured the hosts a semi-final place and automatic qualification for the World Cup. Banyana, meanwhile, will have to take the longer route through the play-off pathway for one of Africa’s remaining World Cup opportunities.
For Banyana Banyana, the result represents another frustrating chapter in a tournament that never quite went according to plan. They opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania, drew 2-2 with Côte d’Ivoire before eventually securing their quarter-final place with a win over Burkina Faso.
Despite Kgatlana’s late effort and a spirited attempt to rescue the match, South Africa could not find the decisive second goal.
Their WAFCON title defence is over and now attention turns to rebuilding, regrouping and ensuring that Banyana Banyana remain in contention for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
