Majiya Strikes as Banyana Begin WAFCON Preparations with Win – Milestone Afternoon for Mbane

South Africa women’s national football team made a winning start to their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a disciplined 1–0 victory over Algeria in an international friendly played in Durban on Tuesday.

The encounter, held at the Princess Magogo Stadium, formed part of Banyana Banyana’s build-up to the continental tournament in Morocco and offered head coach Desiree Ellis an early opportunity to assess her squad.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Nthabiseng Majiya found the back of the net with a well-taken strike from the edge of the box. The forward’s effort capped a period of sustained pressure from the hosts, who controlled much of the first half.

Despite Algeria’s attempts to respond after the interval, South Africa remained organised at the back and managed the game effectively to secure a clean sheet.

Defender Bambanani Mbane earned her 100th international cap for Banyana Banyana (Image: Banyana Banyana)

The evening also marked a significant personal achievement for experienced defender Bambanani Mbane, who earned her 100th international cap for Banyana Banyana.

Mbane’s milestone added further meaning to the result, highlighting her long-standing contribution to the national team as they continue to build toward another major continental campaign.

The friendly forms part of South Africa’s structured preparations for WAFCON 2026, where they have been drawn in a competitive Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.

Ellis is expected to use the current international window to fine-tune combinations and evaluate squad depth following a successful qualification campaign.

South Africa and Algeria will meet again in a second friendly on Friday, at King Zwelithini Stadium, in Durban. The fixture is expected to provide further valuable game time as Banyana Banyana continue sharpening their readiness for the upcoming tournament.