Sasol Banyana Banyana have booked their place in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after beating DR Congo 1-nil in a second leg qualifier (2-1 on aggregate) played at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, 29 October 2025.
The South African senior women’s national team officially qualified for the continental tournament after a dramatic 1–0 victory courtesy of a lone strike from Thembi Kgatlana.
After drawing 1–all in Kinshasa during the first leg last week, Banyana Banyana entered the return fixture with a crucial away-goal advantage. The task was clear – protect their defensive line and avoid conceding, while looking for an insurance goal to seal qualification.
That decisive moment arrived in the final minute of the game when Kgatlana delivered the winner to secure South Africa’s place at WAFCON 2026, which will take place in March next year in Morocco.
The home side were dominant in the first half, controlling possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities, while the second half saw DR Congo grow in confidence and threaten on the counter.
Despite the mounting pressure, the home side held firm until Kgatlana’s strike confirmed the result. Acting coach Thinasonke Mbuli praised her team’s composure and resilience under pressure.
“I mentioned yesterday that we had to win and yes, we were frustrated towards the end of the game because it was 0-0 and they were coming at us. I give credit to the defenders for absorbing the pressure.”
Banyana Banyana Acting Coach, Thinasonke Mbuli
Mbuli reflected on the team’s preparations in the coming months and emphasised the importance of continued match fitness during the domestic off-season.
“We have a window that’s coming up now in November, which is the last FIFA window for the year. We’re hoping we can get a friendly match, because the tricky part for us now is that WAFCON is in March, and our league is off during that time.
“Our players in December will be off, and by the beginning of March, WAFCON kicks off. We’re going to have to find a balance between players going off-season and remaining active.”
Lebohang Ramalepe was named Queen of the Match for her outstanding defensive display and leadership at the back. DR Congo coach Lukamba Mbayo Omer acknowledged South Africa’s quality while expressing pride in his side’s performance.
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“In preparations, we understood the style of South African football and Banyana Banyana, but not necessarily the individual players. We understood how the team plays as a collective, but we didn’t pick up on each individual player,” he said. SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated the team after their qualification.
Banyana Banyana Squad for the WAFCON Qualifier vs the DR Congo
Kaylin Swart
Andile Dlamini
Dineo Magagula
Lebohang Ramalepe
Fikile Magama
Tiisetso Makhubela
Bambanani Mbane
Karabo Dhlamini
Shakira O’Malley
Yolanda Nduli
Bongeka Gamede
Jessica Wade
Linda Motlhalo
Nonhlanhla Mthandi
Refiloe Jane
Amogelang Motau
Regina Mogolola
Noxolo Cesane
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana
Hildah Magaia
Sinoxolo Cesane
Thembi Kgatlana
Thato Mofolo
Nthabiseng Majiya
Bonolo Mokoma
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Sasol Banyana Banyana have booked their place in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after beating DR Congo 1-nil in a second leg qualifier (2-1 on aggregate) played at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, 29 October 2025. All Photos: Sasol in Sport
Photo 2 Caption: South Africa qualified for the continental tournament after a dramatic 1–0 victory courtesy of a lone strike from Thembi Kgatlana.
