Beyond the draw: Banyana Banyana's quest for World Cup qualification at WAFCON 2026

BANYANA Banyana enter the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a clear objective: navigate a demanding group stage and push deeper into the tournament as part of a broader continental and global ambition.

South Africa were drawn into Group B alongside Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire and Tanzania for the 14th edition of the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco from March 17 to April 3. The group has been widely described as physical and competitive, but from inside the South African camp, the emphasis has been on preparation, belief and execution rather than reputation.

Defender Bambanani Mbane said the squad’s mental strength would be key in negotiating the group phase, particularly against opponents known for their physical approach.

“Honestly, the mandate for us is to win this year. We are in a strong group that is Group B, but you need to remember that in the qualifiers we played a strong team, a team that is also physical which is Congo and we won — we know how to approach physical teams.

So, we have a plan for Burkina Faso and Cote D’Ivoire,” said Mbane.

Progressing rather than merely participating

Her comments reflect a broader confidence within the squad that past experience against similar opposition can be applied to the upcoming campaign, with the focus firmly on progressing rather than merely participating.

Banyana Banyana reached the semi-finals at the previous edition of the tournament in Morocco, but Mbane said the team was determined to move beyond that benchmark and return to the level achieved in 2022.

“Like I said the mandate is to go all the way to the final this year, we want to win the trophy and repeat what we did in 2022. Last year was not so great for us, but this year we are aiming higher.”

Advancement … the true measure of success

Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini echoed the sentiment that the draw presents a challenge, but stressed that advancement beyond the group stage remains the true measure of success.

“It’s a very tough group, a difficult group and it’s not going to be easy but we have to just believe in ourselves extremely hard.”

With WAFCON now expanded to 16 teams, the tournament also serves as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, adding further significance to each group match.

Dlamini said that wider objective shaped how the team views the task ahead.

“As a team collectively and individually we have to work towards the goal of helping each other achieve greatness as a country. We have to make sure that we work extremely hard to win our group and advance because it's not about the group, the bigger picture here is about qualifying for the world cup.”

She also underlined the competitive nature of selection within the squad, noting that places are not guaranteed.

“Firstly, I still need to work hard to be in the team and have my name mentioned as one of the names to represent South Africa.”

While qualification remains the immediate target, Dlamini said the long-term value of World Cup participation continues to drive standards within the group.

“The world cup gives you an opportunity to grow because you’re going to meet the highest level of competitors and you become one of them and that makes you grow whether you like it or not and that’s why it’s very important that we qualify.”

She added that qualification carries wider implications for player development and opportunity.

“It creates more opportunities and it also gives you another step to better your career, (it is also) an opportunity for that young girl who wants to play overseas to be seen.”

Exposure for younger players

Mbane noted that the tournament would also offer exposure for younger players within the squad, although the primary focus remains on results and progression.

“This is the time for youngsters to shine, some of them traveled with us last year but didn’t play. I like that they know what to expect, but I hope they will get some game time and use this opportunity to get a feel of international football. I like that they are teachable and have an interest to do better.”

As preparations continue, both senior players were clear that pressure should not distract from the mission ahead.

“It’s very important that we qualify, whether there is pressure or no pressure,” said Dlamini.

WAFCON 2026 GROUPS:

Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya

Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania

Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi

Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde