Banyana Banyana were eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament by hosts Morocco with 2-1 score-line in the quarter-final in Rabat on Saturday.
Morocco also booked their place at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup with their progression to the semi-finals becoming the second African side after Algeria who saw off Ivory Coast in an earlier kickoff.
There were two changes from the side that defeated Burkina Faso in the last group stage encounter with Bongeka Gamede returning to the starting line-up while Amogelang Motau got her first start at the tournament as Isabella Ludwig and Antonia Maponya dropped to the bench
The opening 10 minutes of the game was a tight affair with none of the sides creating clear scoring chances. Banyana were awarded a set-piece in the 13th minute after Karabo Dhlamini was fouled by Katie Mrabet. Refiloe Jane struck the ball into the box but it was taken out for a corner. The Banyana captain stepped up again and sent the ball into the box to Bambanani Mbane but the latter lost possession.
Morocco came close to breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute when Mrabet crossed to Sanaa Mssoudy but the latter’s header went wide. Two minutes later there was an opportunity for Banyana to score after Thembi Kgatlana capitalised on Morocco losing possession outside their box but she shot over the bar.
The hosts broke the deadlock 10 minutes later, Hanane Ait El Haj’s saw Kaylin Swart off position and crossed to Sakina Ouzraoui in the box and she tapped home the opener, a lead they maintained into half-time.
There were no changes at the start of the second half and it took two minutes for the 2022 champions to find themselves in trouble. Noxolo Cesane fouled Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the box and conceded a penalty. Ait El Haj converted the spot kick in the 51st minute to double her side’s lead.
Meanwhile Kgatlana finally put the ball behind the net six minutes after the hour from a Dhlamini cross. Referee flagged it offside however VAR decision counted the goal, making it Pikinini’s third at the tournament. Substitute Robyn Moodalay- Salgado had a short to level in the 71st minute but was denied by the goalkeeper.
While Banyana’s tournament is over there is still chance to qualify for the World Cup as they will await the loser in the match between Cameroon and Nigeria for the playoffs.
The winner of that game and the winner from the match between the other losing quarter-finalists, will both compete in the inter-continental playoffs for a final ticket to Brazil.