The possibility for the Banyana Banyana team to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil is not yet closed, despite recent difficulties. Confidence remains within the squad that they can achieve their goal.
The team was eliminated from the Wafcon quarterfinals on Saturday after a 2-1 defeat to the hosts Morocco in Rabat. This result means they failed to qualify directly for the global tournament for the third consecutive time.
However, reaching the quarterfinals provided the team with a second chance through the play-offs. This will be a difficult task, requiring a victory over Nigeria in the continental play-offs in Casablanca on Thursday evening, followed by wins in the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for late November and early February.
Team representatives noted that their performance demonstrated dominance, even if the result did not meet expectations. They stated: 'We will shake it off, refocus, and come back stronger. Our mission now is to ensure we cross the finish line in the next match.'
Qualification for the World Cup has been beneficial for Banyana in the last two cycles. Players' profiles have significantly grown, many have had the opportunity to play abroad and gain valuable international experience. Karabo Dlammini is a prime example of this journey.
The left-back debuted on the world stage with the Bantwana youth national team in 2018, and later became the youngest player in the Banyana squad at the 2019 World Cup in France, at just 17 years old. Since then, Dlammini has participated in the second World Cup with Banyana and has become a notable figure at Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, winning numerous titles, including two CAF Women’s Champions League trophies.
Despite clear disappointment in the mixed zone after the loss to Atlas Lionesses, Dlammini maintained a positive attitude, stating that the team must fulfill its aspiration to qualify for the World Cup. She emphasized: 'It is important, but we know that qualifying for the World Cup itself is just motivation. It's not about seniors or juniors; everyone must remain motivated constantly.'
Dlammini's emotional reaction to Banyana's exit from the eight-team Wafcon reflected the mood of the entire team, so she believes they cannot afford mistakes against the Super Falcons. 'We feel disappointed because now we have to go a longer route,' said Dlammini. 'If we had beaten Morocco, qualification would have been easier. Now we need to play in the play-offs. However, we cannot hang our heads now. We need to lift them and focus on the next game.'
Banyana must show their best level and execute the game plan. This includes reliable goalkeeping from Kaylin Swart, as the team conceded four goals in the last two matches, having only one clean sheet throughout the tournament. The attacking line must also provide more support to Tembi Kgatlane, creating more opportunities in the final third. The striker was isolated during the tournament, scoring three goals in four matches.
Dlammini added: 'As a team, we must score more goals. We can play beautiful football, but if we don't score, we don't win matches. Goals win games.' As a set-piece specialist, Dlammini reiterated that they are obliged to create and capitalize on chances, as this is the only path to success. 'I feel that this is the reality of football: if we don't use our chances, the opponents will, and then we will regret not scoring and conceding. Furthermore, if we don't create chances, there will be fewer.'
