WAFCON Qualifier: South Africa Edges DR Congo to Secure Women's Africa Cup of Nations Spot

South Africa books women's Africa Cup of Nations place

South Africa joins Morocco as one of the first 12 teams to qualify for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa qualifies for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-1 aggregate win over DR Congo.

South Africa's Banyana Banyana were led by assistant coach Thina Mbuli in the absence of long-serving head coach Desiree Ellis...

South Africa has secured a spot in the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 on aggregate. This crucial win keeps South Africa's hopes alive for a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

The South African team achieved the victory through a hard-fought 1-0 win at home in the return leg, following a 1-1 draw in Kinshasa. The winning goal was scored by Thembi Kgatlana in added time, sealing the win and the team's qualification for the tournament.

Sasol Banyana Banyana have qualified for the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026!!!! #LiveTheImpossible @SasolinSport @flysaa pic.twitter.com/HWz6O11l3l

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 28, 2025

 She skillfully won the ball 40 yards out before sprinting into the box and slotting it past visiting goalkeeper Ruth Kashala. This goal was a fitting outcome, as Banyana Banyana had created numerous chances throughout the game but were also thwarted by some impressive defensive work and excellent saves from Kashala.

South Africa's Banyana Banyana were led by assistant coach Thina Mbuli in the absence of long-serving head coach Desiree Ellis, who is currently in contract negotiations with the South African Football Association. Ellis, who has been offered a new four-year deal, is reportedly unhappy with the terms, leaving the future of her tenure uncertain.

Despite creating scoring opportunities, DR Congo was ultimately unable to capitalize, and their challenge for a spot in the finals was ended. The Congolese team will now have to wait and see if they can still qualify for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

South Africa joins hosts Morocco and 10 other teams as one of the first 12 nations to secure a spot in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations finals. Although the tournament is set to feature 16 teams, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has yet to announce the process for determining the remaining four qualifiers.

The Women's Africa Cup of Nations holds added significance as the four semifinalists will secure a spot in the 2027 Women's World Cup. For South Africa, this tournament is crucial as they aim to build on their recent performances, having reached the last two global finals in 2019 and 2023. The Banyana Banyana also claimed the African championship title in 2022, although their most recent outing in Morocco earlier this year resulted in a fourth-place finish.