Kgatlana Fires Banyana Into WAFCON Quarter-Finals

South Africa women’s national football team booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 TotalEnergies WAFCON after edging Burkina Faso 1–0 in their decisive Group B clash at Stade Moulay Rachid in Morocco on Tuesday night.

Thembi Kgatlana proved the difference for Banyana Banyana, scoring the only goal of the match in the 21st minute to seal a vital victory and send South Africa into the knockout stages.

Kgatlana’s clinical strike was her second goal of the tournament and ensured Banyana Banyana finished second in Group B after collecting four points from their three matches.

The result, coupled with Côte d’Ivoire’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania in the other Group B fixture, confirmed South Africa’s progression to the last eight after an eventful group-stage campaign.

Banyana Banyana had entered the final round knowing victory was essential to keep their hopes alive following a 2–1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening match and a spirited 2–2 comeback draw against Côte d’Ivoire.

Banyana Banyana Set Up Blockbuster WAFCON Quarter-Final Against Morocco After Beating Burkina Faso (Graphic: SizaNazo365 | Images: @Banyana_Banyana (X))

Attention now turns to a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown against tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday.

The stakes could hardly be higher. A place in the WAFCON semi-finals will also secure direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding even greater significance to the clash between Banyana Banyana and the Atlas Lionesses.

After navigating a challenging Group B campaign, South Africa will now hope to build on their momentum as they prepare for one of their biggest tests of the tournament.