By 
CASABLANCA — Despite a heartbreaking quarterfinal exit at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Sasol Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis remains fiercely proud of her squad’s performance and resilience following a 1-2 loss to host nation Morocco on Saturday night.
The reigning 2022 African champions faced an uphill battle after North Africa’s Sakina Ouzraoui struck in the first half, followed by a Hanane Ait El Haj penalty early in the second stanza to double Morocco’s lead. South Africa’s star forward Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back, sparking an intense late assault that saw Banyana Banyana push the hosts to the absolute limit. A heroic late save from the Moroccan goalkeeper denied South Africa an equalizer in the dying moments, securing Morocco’s automatic ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Reflecting on the grueling contest, Dr Ellis emphasized her team’s tactical execution and relentless fight back.
“For the first 35 minutes we were in control until we conceded; we had played well until that moment. Conceding that penalty just after half-time put us back where we had to restart, but then we started playing again, got the goal, and had them on the back-foot for a very long time,” said Ellis. “They hardly threatened our goal. I can be very proud of the team; we knew how important this game was and I think everybody that stepped onto the field can be proud that they gave everything.”
While the defeat closes the door on automatic World Cup qualification, South Africa’s dream of reaching the global showpiece remains very much alive. The team travels to Casablanca on Sunday to begin their campaign through the play-off route. Banyana Banyana return to the pitch on Thursday, facing the loser of the heavyweight quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Ellis noted that while disappointment was immediate in the changing room, the coaching staff quickly refocused the squad’s mind-set on the secondary path ahead.
“We wanted to go this route [direct World Cup qualification], but unfortunately, it’s past now and we’re thinking already of the next game coming up. We can’t cry over spilt milk at the moment,” Ellis urged. “Immediately after the game there was disappointment, but we reminded them that we still have a game to play and that they’re not completely out of it. We need to make sure that mentally and physically, we are ready for that game, recover really quickly, and prepare.”
Banyana’s performance drew strong praise from long-standing title sponsor Sasol. Dean Somerset, Sasol’s Manager for Group Brand and Sponsorships, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to the team despite the set-back.
“The result may not have gone our way on the night, but it does not diminish the immense pride we have in the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana. They fought with courage, determination, and heart until the final whistle,” Somerset stated. “At Sasol, our belief in this team has never been defined by a single result; it is rooted in the journey, the resilience, and the barriers they continue to break for women’s football in our country. We remain incredibly proud of our champions, and we know they will rise again.”
With the initial setback behind them, South Africa turns all attention to Casablanca, where recovery, mental toughness, and a demanding play-off bracket now stand between Banyana Banyana and a return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup stage.
