Banyana hit out against WAFCON hosts is ideal preparation for the 2026 showpiece in Morocco
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Nthabiseng Ronisha Majiya of South Africa celebrates her goal during the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match against Botswana at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat Nthabiseng Ronisha Majiya of South Africa celebrates her goal during the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match against Botswana at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
Image: BackpagePix
Sasol Banyana Banyana is gearing up for a crucial international friendly match against hosts Morocco on Tuesday, December 2, at a venue yet to be confirmed.
The game is part of their preparations for the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
Under the guidance of head coach Desiree Ellis, the 54th-ranked team will look to build on their recent success.
Banyana Banyana secured their place in the upcoming continental tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in a second-leg qualifier held at Dobsonville Stadium last month, bringing the aggregate score to 2-1.
The decisive goal was scored by the talented Thembi Kgatlana, solidifying her reputation among fans and peers alike.
The match against 64th-ranked Morocco will be a vital opportunity for Ellis to evaluate her squad. The coach will announced her selections on Saturday, ahead of the team’s assembly in Johannesburg on Monday. Following this, the squad will depart for Morocco on Friday, November 28.
BANYANA Banyana squad
Image: Supplied
This friendly presents a significant chance not only to hone the players’ skills but also to foster team cohesion ahead of the highly competitive WAFCON. Participating in this continental championship is critical for the South African women’s team, which is determined to make a significant impact following its previous performances.
Morocco, as the host, will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge. The clash will be an exciting showcase of African women’s football, highlighting the growing strength of the sport in the region.
As anticipation builds for the match and the subsequent tournament, fans can look forward to seeing how Banyana Banyana will prepare to defend their status as one of Africa’s leading women’s football teams.
One player who will be looking forward to face Morocco is Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies star, Andile Dlamini, who was recently nominated for the prestigious CAF Women's Goalkeeper of the Year award.
The two-time CAF Women's Champions League Goalkeeper of the Year winner narrowly missed out on the award as it went home with Nigeria's Chiamaka Nnadozie, who secured the title for the third consecutive year (2023, 2024, and 2025).
Nnadozie's win, following a stellar year with the Super Falcons and her club performances, affirmed her dominance as Africa's elite shot-stopper.