The dreams of the Banyana Banyana team for the 2027 World Cup faced serious difficulties after they were defeated by Morocco in the Wafcon quarterfinals. In the match held on Saturday evening, Banyana Banyana lost to Morocco with a score of 2:1. Tembie Kgatlana scored a consolation goal.
The team's poor performance at the current Wafcon means they now have to go through the playoffs to reach the final in Brazil next year, as they could not advance past the quarterfinal stage.
The Banyana team lost to the hosts Morocco in the final stage of the continental tournament at the lively Moulay El Hassan stadium on Saturday evening. Tembie Kgatlana's late goal was insufficient to compensate for goals from Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane Ait El Hadj.
The celebration of the 'Atlas Lionesses' will continue for a long time, possibly throughout the tournament, as they continue their ascent that allowed them to qualify for the World Cup for the second consecutive time after their debut in 2023.
The defeat in Rabat was an undesirable outcome, as Banyana Banyana is eliminated from WAFCON 2026 with a score of 2:1 against Morocco. Now the team's attention has shifted to the playoff match on Thursday, which will determine whether they represent the continent in the intercontinental playoff round for a spot in the third consecutive World Cup in Brazil. This will be a tense wait with high stakes.
The team's difficulties were evident in the group stage, but they became particularly noticeable in Rabat. The team looked not only lacking support from the stands, where a red-green crowd dominated, but also divided on the field, especially on the bench.
Disarey Ellis, who became the longest-serving coach in the tournament, had never previously left before the semi-finals in her four previous appearances. However, on Saturday evening, she looked dejected, struggling with both the lack of fluidity in her team's play and disagreements within her staff.
Throughout most of the first half, fitness coach Ridha Elli and goalkeeper coach Lucky Shiburi gave unusually loud instructions, indicating a breakdown in normal team communication. In contrast, Ellis's counterpart, Jorge Wilde, instilled confidence. He moved calmly along the sideline, allowing his team to dictate the game and forcing Banyana to 'chase shadows' in the dark sky of Rabat.
Despite early pressure from the hosts, they initially did not cause problems for Kaylin Swart in goal. However, the intensity of the Moroccan press forced Banyana to constantly retreat, leaving Tembie Kgatlana isolated up front. Her efforts were in vain, as she lacked support: teammates often lagged with the ball or ceded possession to Morocco's organized defense.
The stadium erupted shortly after half-hour when Hanane Ait El Hadj delivered a precise cross that found the unnoticed Sakina Ouzraoui, who cleverly flicked the ball over the unprepared Swart.
During halftime, the Banyana players gathered in a circle before heading into the tunnel, while visibly worried Ellis remained on the sidelines, carrying her backpack, ironically suggesting her readiness to leave home.
Ellis's detachment from the team's momentum became apparent after the restart. A shot by Noksolo Sesane at Gizlan Chebbak in the penalty area prompted referee Josephine Vangiku to reluctantly award a penalty. Ait El Hadj took responsibility and powerfully struck it past Swart, doubling the lead.
The significant deficit, paradoxically, boosted Banyana's morale, as they began to control the ball more and attack purposefully. Their persistence was rewarded when Kgatlana shot past Hadija Er-Ramichi following a well-executed cross from Karabo Dlammini. Although the celebrations were initially interrupted by an offside call, a lengthy VAR review ultimately confirmed the goal.
As Banyana's confidence grew, they almost managed to equalize when Robyn Mudali-Salgado forced Er-Ramichi into a brilliant diagonal save. Ultimately, the comeback was unsuccessful. Banyana now faces a difficult playoff path to reach Brazil—a period that will undoubtedly require a thorough analysis of the team's current structure and performance.
