Banyana Banyana’s World Cup hopes dashed by Morocco defeat

Banyana Banyana's ambitions of securing a second consecutive appearance in the FIFA Women's World Cup have been extinguished. The South African women's football team was eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in the quarterfinals by the hosts, Morocco, in Rabat on Saturday night. Morocco, the victors of the 2022 edition, defeated Banyana 2-1, securing their place at the World Cup in Brazil next year.

This outcome marked a disappointing campaign for Banyana, who managed to win only one match and have been on a declining trajectory since their sole continental title four years ago. Their previous fourth-place finish two years ago and their elimination in the last eight this year preceded their knockout in Rabat. The defeat ended Banyana Banyana's aspirations in Rabat, a result they had hoped to avoid as they bid farewell to the WAFCON 2026 tournament.