Banyana Banyana WAFCON 2026 guide: Squad, fixtures, venues, dateds & key players

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Banyana Banyana WAFCON 2026 guide: Squad, fixtures, venues, dateds & key players
Banyana Banyana of South Africa - Image: SAFA

Banyana Banyana are among the 16 teams set for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, scheduled to be played in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.

Apart from the aforementioned nations, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Cape Verde, Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Egypt are the other teams that will be chasing the continental glory.

Banyana Banyana celebrate a in against DR Congo.
Banyana Banyana celebrate a in against DR Congo. Photo: SAFA

This will be the 15th time South Africa would be dining with the best hoping to win their second crown in history.

The Banyana Banyana WAFCON squad

Coach Desiree Ellis balanced a squad blended with youth and experience hoping to deliver.

Here are the players selected to do the duty in the North African country.

Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart (JVW), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kebotseng Moletsane (University of Fort Hare).

Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lonathemba Mhlongo (University of the Western Cape), Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Asanda Hadebe (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Antonia Maponya (University of the Western Cape), Khutso Pila (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Midfielders: Bongeka Gamede (FC Nordsjælland, Denmark), Noxolo Cesane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado (JVW), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, Scotland), Nonhlanhla Mthandi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy Queens), Sibulele Holweni (University of the Western Cape), Isabella Ludwig (Mamelodi Sundowns), Robyn Moodaly-Salgado (JVW), Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana, Mexico), Fikile Magama (University of the Western Cape).

Forwards: Hildah Magaia (unattached), Thembi Kgatlana (Tigres UANL, Mexico), Ronnel Donnelly (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns), Zoe October (University of the Western Cape).

Who are the key players for Banyana Banyana?

There is massive experience at the back where both goalkeepers, Swart and Dlamini, have played in the previous competitions, including the most recent World Cup, bringing massive experience between the posts.

Thembi Kgatlana Banyana Banyana

In midfield, the return of Robyn Moodaly-Salgado from retirement is a massive boost, as she will be helping in dominating the department with the likes of Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, as well as Fikile Magama, who have been effective for Banyana Banyana.

Thembi Kgatlana and Hilda Magaia will be the key players in attack.

Banyana Banayan Group, fixtures, venues and dates

South Africa have been placed in a tough Group B, but are still tipped to be among the top two to make the knockout phase.

The first game will be on on Monday, July 27 against Tanzania, at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca at 19:00 SAT.

Four days later, Banyana Banyana will be at the same venue facing Ivory Coast at 19:00 SAT as well.

On August 4, from 22 SAT, the final Group B outing will be versus Burkina Faso.

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Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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