Banyana Banyana vs Burkina Faso: Kaylin Swart Issues Rallying Cry Ahead of Crucial WAFCON Clash

Banyana Banyana face a must-win encounter against Burkina Faso women’s national football team on Tuesday night as they bid to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 TotalEnergies WAFCON alive.

South Africa head into their final Group B fixture knowing that victory is essential if they are to stand a realistic chance of progressing to the knockout stages after a challenging start to the tournament in Morocco.

Banyana Banyana showed tremendous character in their previous outing, coming from two goals down to earn a dramatic 2–2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade Moulay Rachid on Friday. The spirited comeback kept their campaign alive after Dr. Desiree Ellis’ team had opened the competition with a 2–1 defeat to Tanzania women’s national football team.

The draw left Banyana Banyana with one point from their opening two Group B matches, but qualification remains within reach heading into the decisive final round.

Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart believes the team’s dramatic comeback against Côte d’Ivoire has given the squad the belief they need ahead of the decisive clash.

Speaking to the Banyana Banyana media team, Swart said the team’s fighting spirit in the second half of Friday’s match should serve as the foundation for one final push.

“The fighting spirit from the second half against Ivory Coast brought some confidence and a morale booster to the team, because we fought until the end after a shaky first half. We have to go to war and give 100% or even more in this last group stage match against Burkina Faso by taking the positives from the first two games and get the required three points.”

Her comments underline the determination within the South African camp as Banyana Banyana prepare for what is effectively a knockout fixture.

Banyana Banyana Face A Must-Win Encounter Against Burkina Faso (Image: Banyana Banyana)

Group B remains one of the most tightly contested groups in the tournament.

Côte d’Ivoire lead the standings with four points after following up their opening victory over Burkina Faso with a draw against South Africa.

Tanzania and Burkina Faso are both on three points, while Banyana Banyana sit fourth with one point.

Despite occupying the bottom spot, South Africa’s qualification hopes remain firmly alive. A victory over Burkina Faso would take Banyana Banyana to four points, with their fate also depending on the outcome of the other Group B encounter between Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania.

Both final Group B fixtures kick off simultaneously at 22:00 SAST, setting up a dramatic conclusion to the race for the quarter-finals.