Banyana Banyana struck late in the second half to book their ticket to the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco next year.
Mexico-based forward Thembi Kgatlana scored the winner in injury time to see off a stubborn Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in the reverse fixture at a cold and wet Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Wednesday night (28 October 2025) – claiming a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana drew 1-all against the Central Africans in the first leg in Kinshasa last week.
South Africa joins hosts Morocco, Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Senegal, debutants Malawi and Cape Verde, as well as defending champions Nigeria.
The tournament will take place from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Second round results:
| Team 1 | Agg. | Team 2 | 1st leg | 2nd leg |
| Angola | 0–2 | Malawi | 0–0 | 0–2 |
| DR Congo | 1–2 | South Africa | 1–1 | 0–1 |
| Tanzania | 3–0 | Ethiopia | 2–0 | 1–0 |
| Namibia | 2–7 | Zambia | 2–4 | 0–3 |
| Burkina Faso | 3–0 | Togo | 2–0 | 1–0 |
| Algeria | 3–1 | Cameroon | 2–1 | 1–0 |
| Egypt | 0–7 | Ghana | 0–3 | 0–4 |
| Kenya | 4–1 | Gambia | 3–1 | 1–0 |
| Benin | 1–3 | Nigeria | 0–2 | 1–1 |
| Cape Verde | 4–3 | Mali | 0–1 | 4–2 |
| Senegal | 0–0 (5–4 p) | Ivory Coast | 0–0 | 0–0 |
Following the stalemate in Kinshasa last week (Wednesday, 22 October), acting coach Thinasonke Mbuli brought on fresh legs for the home match, introducing Thembi Kgatlana and Hilda Magaia for Bonolo Mokoma and Kgaelebane Mohlakoana.
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) mentor also made some positional changes, with Bongeka Gamede and Lebogang Ramalepe shifting to defence, opening up space for Linda Motlhalo and Nthabiseng Majiya to start ahead of Fikile Magama and Tiisetso Makhubela, with the latter sitting on the stands.
Banyana Banyana could have wrapped up the game in the first half as Kgatlana received several chances to score but was denied by the Congolese goalkeeper, Ruth Konde Kashala – the former did have the ball in the back of the net in the 26th minute, however, it was disallowed.
In the South African goals, Andile Dlamini also had to pull off some fine saves to leave the scoreline unchanged.
When it seemed the hosts would progress via the away goal rule, Kgatlana struck the insurance goal as the 2022 African Champions punched their ticket to Morocco – leading to celebrations around the stadium.
She dispossessed an opponent just after the halfway line and made a solo run, beating Kashala with a low shot – and it was the end of the road for the DR Congo, whose players disappeared down the tunnel drenched in tears.
Defender Lebogang Ramalepe walked away with the Queen of the Match award.
With the victory, South Africa will now have to start preparations for the 2026 WAFCON, which serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Brazil FIFA Women’s World Cup – the top four teams in Morocco will represent the African continent at the global women’s football showpiece in South America.
Banyana Banyana have been to back to back tournaments – France 2019 and Australasia 2023.
In the latter edition, they were joined by Zambia, Morocco and Nigeria.
How South Africa lined-up against the DRC, second leg:
Andile Dlamini (GK); Lebohang Ramalepe; Bambanani Mbane; Bongeka Gamede; Karabo Dhlamini; Refiloe Jane (C); Noxolo Cesane (Amogelang Motau); Linda Motlhalo; Nthabiseng Majiya (Kgaelebane Mohlakoana); Hilda Magaia; Thembi Kgatlana (Bonolo Mokoma)
Subs:
Kaylin Swart (GK), Fikile Magama, Bonolo Mokoma, Jessica Wade, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, Shakira O’Malley, Amogelang Motau
On the stand:
Dineo Magagula (GK), Tiisetso Makhubela, Yolanda Nduli, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Sinoxolo Cesane
By Matlhomola Morake
