Banyana Banyana held by DRC in WAFCON first-leg qualifier

Banyana Banyana were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa on Wednesday evening.

A first-half strike by Kgalebane Mohlakoana handed South Africa the advantage heading into next week’s second-leg clash at the FNB Stadium, as they managed to secure the all-important away goal.

As South Africa continues to celebrate Bafana Bafana’s recent qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, another major footballing milestone has come into focus — this time for Banyana. The former continental champions are looking to secure their place in yet another WAFCON tournament, with only the DRC standing in their way.

However, the build-up to this crucial qualifier was far from ideal. The national team has been navigating a period of uncertainty in recent months, and their WAFCON campaign earlier this year ended in heartbreak with a 2-1 semi-final loss to Nigeria. Worryingly, the issues that plagued them then seem to have followed them into this new qualifying campaign.

Once again, the team finds itself unsettled at a crucial moment — this time without head coach Desiree Ellis, who remains in the boardroom as contract negotiations with the South African Football Association continue. In her absence, assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli stepped in to lead the side for the first leg at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa.

Despite the disruptions, Banyana fielded a strong and experienced line-up, anchored by captain Refiloe Jane and veteran goalkeeper Ayanda Dlamini. Their aim was clear: to return to South Africa with a solid result ahead of the decisive second leg at FNB Stadium next Tuesday.

Playing away in the DRC is always a tough assignment, and with high stakes for both sides, the game unfolded with intensity and caution. Neither team was eager to concede ground in the opening stages.

As the first half wore on, Banyana began to settle into their rhythm. Just three minutes before half-time, their patience paid off. Bonolo Mokoma made a smart run down the left flank, drawing defenders before laying the ball off to a free Kgalebane Mohlakoana. The forward unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that flew past the DRC goalkeeper, handing South Africa a crucial lead.

But their celebrations were short-lived. In a lapse of concentration during a critical phase of the match, South Africa allowed the hosts back into the game. Ruth Monique found space to equalise for the DRC, levelling the score just before the half-time break.

Neither side managed to find a breakthrough in the second half, and in the end, both had to settle for a draw heading into the all-important second leg next week.