Banyana Banyana assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli has reacted to the side’s 2nd leg 2026 WAFCON qualifier against DR Congo applauding her defence for absorbing pressure and Thembi Kgatlana’s persistence.
Kgatlana scored in injury time to help Banyana defeat Congo 1-0 at Dobsonville Stadium to win the tie 2-1 on aggregate and book a ticket to Morocco next year. Semi-finalists from the WAFCON will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Banyana dominated the first half but could not convert chances however Congo’s changes in the second half gave the visitors a boost as they got in the Banyana box more forcing Andile Dlamini to make saves.
Mbuli admitted to being frustrated late in the game because the score-line much as it favoured her side it was risky.
“I said to you yesterday we have to win,” said Mbuli after the game.
“And yes, we were frustrated towards the end of the game because it was 0-0 and they were really coming at us. One mistake we concede then we’re out. That’s why I’m giving credit to defenders for absorbing the pressure.
“I don’t know how many chances the goalkeeper made from Thembi’s efforts. Maybe that’s why we kept her in the game, because we knew that if she gets one more chance she’ll score.
“So, a win today [Tuesday] was important because we were not comfortable with that 0-0 score especially after they made those subs.”
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