Banyana Banyana’s 2026 WAFCON qualification on the line in Kinshasa

South Africa’s senior women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, will face off against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) in the first leg of a double-header in Kinshasa on Wednesday evening.

The aggregate winner of this tie will qualify for WAFCON Morocco 2026.  The recent arrival of midfielder Linda Motlhalo has invigorated the squad, injecting both poise and creativity into a group that has shown promising determination during its training sessions, which began last weekend.

Captain Refiloe Jane is acutely aware of the stakes involved: “It is essential to qualify for the WAFCON, so the results are what is important for the team. With the changes that DRC have, it won’t be easy. So, we’ll have to prepare very well and try to get a good result.”

Her comments reflect the team’s clear focus on the goal ahead, underscoring the significance of making an impactful start against the Congolese side.

On paper, DR Congo holds the advantage as the first leg takes place at home. However, Banyana Banyana are determined to set a favourable stage for the return leg, which will be played next week in Johannesburg.

Coach Thinasonke Mbuli acknowledged the challenges both teams face, noting that they share similar trajectories.

“I think that DR Congo and Banyana Banyana are in the same boat. We lost our last game at WAFCON to Ghana, but perhaps the advantage to DR Congo is that they were in a tough group with Morocco and Zambia,” she said.

"Those matches, even though DR Congo didn’t make it to the knockouts, might have helped them prepare well for these qualifiers."

As Banyana Banyana prepares to face the DR Congo, they are not just competing for victory but for the opportunity to establish themselves as a formidable force in women’s football in Africa.

The upcoming encounter promises to be more than just a match; it is a vital first step towards potential glory at WAFCON 2026.