Springboks Hold Off Argentina, MTN8 Delivers Drama, Banyana Banyana Knocked Out
It was another action-packed weekend for South African sport, with the Springboks maintaining their unbeaten start to 2026, the MTN8 producing several dramatic results, and Banyana Banyana suffering a quarter-final exit at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
- Springboks Edge Argentina Ahead of All Blacks Series
The Springboks remained unbeaten in 2026 after grinding out a 17-10 victory over Argentina at Estadio José Amalfitani on Saturday.
The sides were level at 10-10 at halftime, with Edwill van der Merwe scoring South Africa’s try and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributing with the boot.
Cameron Hanekom crossed in the 63rd minute to put the Boks ahead, with Handré Pollard adding the conversion. South Africa’s defence then held firm during a late Argentine surge.
Captain Siya Kolisi was forced off early with a suspected hamstring injury, providing a concern ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand. Coach Rassie Erasmus praised his team’s character despite admitting there was plenty to improve.
- MTN8 Semifinal Line-Up Confirmed After Weekend Drama
The 2026 MTN8 produced a weekend of extra-time drama and a major upset, with the semifinal picture now confirmed.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates survived a battle against Durban City, winning 2-1 after extra time. Mamelodi Sundowns also needed additional time before Cassius Mailula’s late goal secured a 3-2 victory over Polokwane City.
Sekhukhune United then edged AmaZulu 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller after extra time, while Golden Arrows delivered the biggest surprise by defeating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at FNB Stadium.
Khulekani Shezi scored the decisive second-half goal to send Chiefs crashing out and end their early MTN8 ambitions under new coach Fernando da Cruz.
The semifinal draw has set up two intriguing clashes: Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns vs Golden Arrows.
Springboks Hold Off Argentina, MTN8 Delivers Drama, Banyana Banyana Knocked Out (Graphic: SizaNazo365 | Images: Springboks, Banyana, Pirates)
- Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON Title Defence Ends in Morocco
Banyana Banyana’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night.
Morocco took control through Sakina Ouzraoui’s first-half goal before Hanane Ait El Haj converted a penalty shortly after the break to double the hosts’ advantage.
Thembi Kgatlana gave South Africa renewed hope when she pulled one back in the 67th minute, but Desiree Ellis’ team could not find the equaliser.
Morocco’s victory sends them into the semifinals and also secures their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Banyana Banyana, meanwhile, will have to pursue World Cup qualification through the play-offs.