Banyana Banyana’s disappointing Wafcon quarter-final exit will serve as motivation as they navigate the uncharted territory of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup through the grueling play-offs.
Banyana lost 2–1 to hosts Morocco in Saturday’s quarter-final at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, ending both their title aspirations and their chance at direct qualification for the tournament in Brazil.
However, all is not lost. They can still secure a spot at the global showpiece by claiming one of the three available slots in next February’s inter-continental play-offs.
First, they must win their continental play-off match on Thursday night against either Cameroon or Nigeria.
Speaking in the post-match mixed zone deep in the bowels of El Hassan, defender Bongeka Gamede stressed that the team will give everything on Thursday to rebuild positivity and confidence.
“It’s definitely not over,” a dejected Gamede said. “We have another opportunity this week. This heartbreak should motivate us so we don’t feel like this after the play-offs. We are going into the next game focused, knowing the dream is still alive.”
Having qualified for the last two World Cups in France and Australia/New Zealand, several players secured overseas moves, including Gamede, who now plays in Denmark. She wants the foreign-based players to reinforce the life-changing importance of World Cup qualification to their domestic teammates.
“I think the players who are playing at home need this kind of motivation from the overseas-based players. They need to tell them that “we can still make it”,” Gamede explained.
* Mihlali Baleka is currently covering WAFCON in Morocco for IOL, courtesy of Banyana Banyana’s premier sponsor, Sasol.
