Thembi Kgatlana’s Late Strike Sends Banyana Banyana To 2026 WAFCON In Morocco

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have booked their place at next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Tuesday night.

The defending champions sealed the win in front of a lively crowd at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, where Mexico-based striker Thembi Kgatlana marked her return in style.

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Kgatlana, who had been sidelined from the continental tournament in June due to personal reasons, made her comeback count with a decisive goal in stoppage time.

Her moment of brilliance came when she snatched the ball from a DRC defender and calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper, sending Banyana through with an aggregate win after the first leg in Kinshasa ended 1-1.

Thembi Kgatlana’s Heroics Seal Qualification for Morocco 2026

Banyana entered the second leg under pressure, needing a result to confirm their spot at the 2026 WAFCON. Despite a tense encounter with few clear chances, Desiree Ellis’s side held their composure until Kgatlana’s late magic turned the game in their favour.

The win continues South Africa’s strong run in African women’s football, as they aim to defend the title they won in 2022. The team will now focus on preparations for the continental showpiece in Morocco, where they’ll be among the favourites to lift the trophy again.

GOALLLLL!!!!!! Thembi Kgatlana makes it 1 – 0 for Sasol Banyana Banyana!!! pic.twitter.com/yqpqYf0wid

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

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