Banyana Banyana Automatically Secures WAFCON Quarterfinal Spot
Banyana Banyana have officially booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), maintaining their campaign to defend the continental title without playing their final group match.
The reigning champions qualified for the knockout stages alongside Mali in Group C after results from Group A on Saturday (13 July) confirmed that neither Senegal nor DR Congo could surpass them on the log. Morocco topped Group A with a 1-0 win over Senegal, while Zambia secured a similar 1-0 victory over DR Congo.
With both Morocco and Zambia advancing from Group A, Banyana Banyana and Mali also confirmed their spots in the last eight, having collected four points each from their first two matches in Group C. The result ensures that even before their final group fixture, both nations are guaranteed to finish in the top two positions of the group.
South Africa opened their campaign with a draw and followed up with a crucial win, placing them in strong contention early on. Now, they prepare to face Mali on Monday night (15 July) at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda to decide the group winner. A win or draw would see Banyana top the group, depending on goal difference.
The progression keeps South Africa’s dream of defending their WAFCON crown alive, having lifted the title in 2022 for the first time in history.
Head coach Desiree Ellis has praised her team’s discipline and consistency, and the early qualification gives her the flexibility to manage players ahead of the intense quarterfinal battles.
With Algeria, Nigeria, and the host nation Morocco already securing their spots in the next round, the stage is set for an exciting knockout phase featuring some of the continent’s most in-form sides.
South African fans will be watching Monday’s clash closely, not just for the result, but for signs that their team remains on course to make a strong title defense.