South Africa enters a must-win encounter against Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Casablanca, Morocco, as they fight to avoid elimination from the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026. The former champions currently sit at the bottom of Group B with one point, while Burkina Faso holds three points following their first-ever victory at the continental tournament.
South Africa Faces Burkina Faso in WAFCON Group B Decider
The stakes extend beyond the current tournament, as the four WAFCON semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup hosted by Brazil. While losing quarter-finalists may still have a chance via play-offs in Morocco and an inter-continental competition, South Africa must first secure a win against Burkina Faso and hope that Ivory Coast defeats Tanzania in the final group match to advance.
Burkina Faso’s Historic Momentum
Burkina Faso, known as the Lady Stallions, are entering the match with a surge of confidence after securing their first three points in the tournament’s history. This achievement came via a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Friday, a result achieved at the fifth attempt spanning two tournaments. In that match, Naomi Kabre scored in the 43rd minute with a lob, and captain Balkissa Sawadogo secured the win with an 80th-minute goal.
Despite being ranked 118th globally and 16th on the African continent, the team is aiming for another upset. Coach Issa Balbone stated that following a 4-1 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire, his players committed to a turnaround, and he noted, we now have our fate in our hands
. Defender Alimata Belem added that the team is determined to get three points and continue writing history for our country
.
Banyana Banyana’s Path to Survival
South Africa, ranked 57th globally and second in Africa, has struggled in the group stages. Their campaign began with a 2-1 loss to Tanzania, a team ranked 65 places lower than them. They recently managed a dramatic 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast on Friday, where a 94th-minute goal by substitute Hildah Magaia saved them from a deeper deficit after Thembi Kgatlana had scored in the 71st minute.
Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has pointed to the team’s historical resilience, citing their experience at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. In that tournament, South Africa overcame an initial 2-1 loss to Sweden and a 2-2 draw with Argentina by defeating Italy in their final group match via a 94th-minute goal from Kgatlana, marking the first time they reached the knockout rounds in tournament history.
Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart described the current situation as a group of death
and characterized the upcoming match as a battle that will require strong mental toughness
.
Match Outlook and Team Details
This fixture marks the first time Burkina Faso will face Southern African opposition and the first time they will play against former WAFCON champions. The Lady Stallions bring significant offensive momentum into the game, having recorded 19 shots at goal against Tanzania, with seven on target.
Possible Burkina Faso XI: Ouedraogo, Rouamba, Sow, Zongo, Belem, Ouoba, Kabre, Rasmata Sawadogo, Nana, Balkissa Sawadogo, Congo.
Group B Standings (Prior to Final Matchday)
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Ivory Coast | 4 |
| Burkina Faso | 3 |
| Tanzania | 3 |
| South Africa | 1 |
