South Africa’s national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, have learned that they will face either Botswana or DR Congo in the second round of qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Caf Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The draw, which took place recently, revealed that Desiree Ellis’ side will have a tough challenge ahead.
As the reigning African champions, Banyana Banyana were one of the six teams that received a bye for the first round of qualifying. They will now await the winners of the Botswana vs. DR Congo tie in the second round, which is scheduled to be played over two legs in October 2025.
Both Botswana and DR Congo have already qualified for the 2024 WAFCON, making the upcoming matches even more challenging for Banyana Banyana. The tournament will be held in Morocco for the second consecutive year, adding to the pressure and excitement for all teams involved.
This draw comes after Banyana’s historic win at the Africa Cup of Nations in July 2022. Originally scheduled to defend their title this year, scheduling issues forced the tournament to be postponed to July of next year. Despite the changes, Banyana have already secured their spot in next year’s tournament and will compete in Group C alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.
The 2026 WAFCON will have added significance as it will determine which four African teams qualify for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Banyana Banyana’s impressive performance at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they reached the knockout rounds, has raised expectations for their future campaigns.
In preparation for the upcoming tournaments, Banyana Banyana have played several high-profile friendly matches against top teams like Denmark and England. While they faced some setbacks in these matches, the experience gained will undoubtedly benefit the team as they gear up for the WAFCON qualifiers.
Additionally, Banyana made it to the final of the 2024 Cosafa Women’s Championship, showcasing their competitive spirit and tenacity on the field. The team’s continued success and growth have positioned them as strong contenders in women’s football on the continent.
As Banyana Banyana prepares for the challenges ahead, the draw for the 2026 Fifa Women’s Under-20 World Cup qualifiers was also conducted. Basetsana will face Eswatini in September 2025, with the goal of securing a spot in the tournament taking place in Poland in August 2026.
With these upcoming competitions on the horizon, South Africa’s women’s football teams are poised to make their mark on the international stage once again. The dedication, talent, and determination of players like those in Banyana Banyana and Basetsana promise an exciting future for women’s football in the country.
