World Cup dream remains alive for Banyana

Rugby

Podcasts & Videos

The Club House

Win
–>

Photo by Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images

Home

Psl

SA National Teams

World Cup dream remains alive for Banyana

Aug 9, 2026 – 07:12 pm
By Kickoff Reporter

Banyana Banyana’s hopes of playing at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup remains alive despite being knocked out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa suffered a 2-1 defeat to Morocco on Saturday night, which saw them miss out on automatic qualification for the World Cup.

However, Banyana will now a secondary play-off route for the World Cup, which starts on Thursday against either Nigeria or Cameroon.

“Immediately after the game, there was disappointment among the players, but we reminded them that we still have a game to play and that they’re not completely out of it,” Ellis added.

“We didn’t want to go that route, but it’s been thrown at us. We need to make sure that mentally and physically, we are ready for that game. We can’t cry over spilt milk at the moment.”

Despite exiting the tournament at the quarter-final stages, Ellis remained proud of her charges.

“For the first 35 minutes, we were in control until we conceded. We had played well until that moment,” Ellis said.

“Conceding that penalty just after half-time put us back where we had to restart, but then we started playing again and got the goal, having them on the back foot for a very long time.

“They hardly threatened our goal. But I can be very proud of the team. We knew how important this game was, and I think everybody that stepped onto the field can be proud that they gave everything.”