Banyana qualify for WAFCON quarter-finals with one game to spare

Banyana Banyana players in celebratory mood

Banyana Banyana are on course to defend their WAFCON title as they have qualified for the quarter-finals with one game to spare.

Desiree Ellis‘ troops progressed to the last eight of the tournament without kicking a ball, following the conclusion of Group A yesterday.

This comes after Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Senegal and Zambia’s 1-0 win against DR Congo. As a result , Morocco topped Group A with seven points, tied with Zambia in second place, while Senegal secured third with three points, which saw DR Congo sent packing.

Therefore, SA has four points in Group C, equal on points with Mali, so, this means that the defending champions cannot finish below second place in the group, giving them advantage with Mali to advance to the next stage as the best two teams in their group.

Banyana Banyana forward Jermaine Seoposenwe in action for SA in a WAFCON match
Banyana Banyana forward Jermaine Seoposenwe in action for SA in a WAFCON match Photo: Banyana Banyana

THE TEAMS THAT HAVE ALREADY QUALIFIED QUALIFIED FOR WAFCON QUARTER-FINALS

So far, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria, Mali, Banyana and Zambia have progressed to the CAF 2024 WAFCON quarter-finals.

As things stand, only two places are left to finalise the last eight, and three teams will compete for them: Senegal [Group A], Tanzania [Group C], and Tunisia [Group B].

Meanwhile, Banyana will lock horns with Mail on Monday, 14 June, at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda. The game will kick-off at 21:00.

The showdown between Ellis’ charges and Mali will determine who will finish top of the Group C.

SA started their WAFCON title defence on a positive note with a 2-0 victory against Ghana on 7 July. Banyana went on to play a 1-1 draw with the neighbours Tanzania on 11 July 2025.

Banyana will be hoping to continue with their fine form in the tournament as they haven’t suffered a group stage defeat since 2016, with coach Ellis holding an impressive record of 10 victories in 13 WAFCON matches and three draws.

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