WeeklySA_AdminBELIEF: South Africa head to Morocco determined to reclaim their place at the summit of African women’s football. Backed by experience, growing confidence and the ambition of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Banyana Banyana believe they have what it takes to mount another serious title challenge…
By WSAM Sports Reporter
With just days to go before the start of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026, defending champions South Africa are entering the tournament with renewed belief and unfinished business.
Desiree Ellis’ side will launch their campaign against Tanzania on July 27, knowing that every match carries enormous significance—not only in the race for continental glory, but also on the road to qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The tournament presents an opportunity for Banyana Banyana to reaffirm their status among Africa’s elite after a disappointing title defence in 2024.
Despite earning the prestigious CAF Fair Play Award, the South Africans finished fourth after suffering a painful 2-1 semi-final defeat to long-time rivals Nigeria, ending their hopes of retaining the trophy they lifted in 2022.
That disappointment has become a source of motivation rather than discouragement.
The core of the squad that made history by winning South Africa’s first-ever WAFCON title in Morocco four years ago remains intact, bringing valuable experience to a team that has also matured on the global stage following its historic run to the knockout rounds of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
One of the senior figures expected to play a pivotal role is goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, whose calm presence and consistency have made her one of the continent’s finest shot-stoppers.
The 33-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies goalkeeper has featured in the last three editions of WAFCON and was crowned Goalkeeper of the Tournament when South Africa won the title in 2022. She has also become one of the leaders in Ellis’ dressing room, helping guide a new generation of players preparing for another demanding continental campaign.
For Dlamini, success in Morocco extends beyond defending a title.
“Success for us will be making all South Africans happy, making ourselves happy, making the technical team happy and achieving everything that we have written down. Success is making sure that we qualify for the World Cup,” she said.
Her confidence is built on impressive recent form.
Dlamini arrives at WAFCON after keeping four consecutive clean sheets for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, a run that has strengthened both her confidence and that of the team around her.
“Going into the tournament with four clean sheets means a lot. It has boosted my confidence,” she said.
“I did not do it alone. I did it with the team, my teammates. For me to keep clean sheets, it is not just making saves, but good communication.
“I am confident in myself, my teammates and the team as a whole. We are positive going into this tournament, and there will be no room for negativity.”
Her form will be crucial for a South African side expected to rely on defensive organisation, quick transitions and the tactical discipline that has become Ellis’ trademark during her successful tenure.
Banyana will once again be among the favourites in a tournament expected to be one of the most competitive in history.
Traditional heavyweights Nigeria, record champions with 11 titles, remain the team to beat despite growing competition across the continent. Hosts Morocco, finalists in 2022, will enjoy passionate home support and have invested heavily in women’s football.
Former champions Zambia, Ghana, Cameroon and Mali also arrive with realistic ambitions of making deep runs, while emerging nations continue to narrow the gap between Africa’s established powers.
For South Africa, navigating the group stage successfully will be the first objective before attention turns to the knockout rounds, where experience often proves decisive.
Ellis is expected to blend seasoned campaigners with exciting young talent, creating a squad capable of balancing composure with attacking flair.
As the final squad announcement approaches, competition for places remains intense, reflecting the growing depth of South African women’s football.
For veterans such as Dlamini, however, the focus has already shifted beyond selection.
The goalkeeper from Tembisa knows another strong showing in Morocco would not only strengthen South Africa’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading football nations but also move Banyana a step closer to another appearance on the world’s biggest stage.
The journey begins against Tanzania next week, but the ambition stretches far beyond the opening whistle.
For Banyana Banyana, Morocco offers the chance to write another golden chapter in South African football history. – Additional reporting by CAFonline
