Banyana’s WAFCON qualification hopes hinge on decisive second leg against DR Congo

Banyana Banyana’s 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes will hinge on their decisive second-leg clash against the DR Congo, set to take place at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday (7pm kick-off).

South Africa returned home with a vital 1-1 draw from the first leg of the qualifier in Central Africa last week. With everything to play for, the aggregate winner will book their ticket to Morocco next year to compete against the continent’s best.

For the first time in this round of qualifiers, assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli will have access to her full squad for the crucial second leg, with the overseas-based quartet of Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia, Sinoxolo Cesane and Thembi Kgatlana all available for selection.

Banyana will not only be fighting for qualification but also seeking redemption after losing their WAFCON crown earlier this year. Their title defence ended in disappointment following a 2-1 semi-final defeat to eventual champions Nigeria in a tournament also hosted in Morocco.

Uncertainty surrounding head coach Desiree Ellis’s contract renewal continues to cast a shadow over what is arguably one of Banyana’s most important qualifiers.

The off-field distractions come at an unfortunate time for a team carrying the weight of expectation, as this campaign could mark another milestone in the history of women’s football in South Africa — and possibly open the door to yet another major competition.

Despite the noise around the team, Mbuli remains confident about Banyana’s chances. With the 1-1 first-leg result and a crucial away goal in hand, she believes the team’s path to qualification remains firmly within their control, and they will not take their opponents lightly.

“We played them in 2023 during the Olympic qualifiers,” Mbuli said ahead of the match.“We know that their strength lies in their front three, and they also rely heavily on their overseas-based players.

"We knew that if we were good in transition, we would have fewer chances of conceding. Their strength is in their three attacking players — they are very aggressive when they go forward.”

Mbuli expressed satisfaction at having more options in attack, especially for a contest that could come down to goals scored and conceded.

“The key is that all the players based in Mexico are offensive players, and we do feel that they will give us more options in terms of our attacking approach,” she added. “More than anything, they will help us in our offensive play.”

Banyana forward Kgatlana was pleased to be back with the side after missing this year’s WAFCON. Her experience — particularly in guiding the team to a historic last-16 finish at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup — could prove crucial as they aim to take another step closer to qualification, with the 2026 WAFCON semi-finalists set to secure automatic places at the next global showpiece.

“It’s amazing; it’s always an honour to come back and represent the country. I’m in good spirits, and I’m healthy,” Kgatlana commented ahead of the contest, which could mark yet another qualification while reinforcing Banyana’s status as one of the continent’s best sides.