For a few days, it looked as though Banyana Banyana’s road to the 2027 Women’s World Cup might be ending in Morocco.

A 2-1 quarter-final defeat to the hosts cost South Africa one of Africa’s automatic qualification places.

Then came Nigeria.

Banyana beat the Super Falcons 2-1 in Casablanca on 13 August, keeping their World Cup hopes alive and earning a place in the FIFA inter-confederation play-offs.

Thembi Kgatlana opened the door

After a goalless first half, Hildah Magaia found Thembi Kgatlana, who put South Africa ahead in the 56th minute.

Captain Refiloe Jane made it 2-0 in the second half before a dramatic finish. Jane received a second yellow card for handball in stoppage time, and Nigeria’s Christy Ucheibe scored from the resulting penalty.

South Africa had to finish with 10 players.

Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, named Woman of the Match, made a series of saves as Banyana held on for the 2-1 victory.

So, are Banyana going to the World Cup?

Not yet.

Reaching the WAFCON semi-finals would have given South Africa automatic qualification. Morocco’s quarter-final victory ended that possibility, but the win over Nigeria secured Banyana a second route.

South Africa and Ghana will now represent Africa in the inter-confederation play-offs.

And Banyana still need to win their way through that competition to reach Brazil.

Who could they face?

The next opponent has not been decided yet.

According to SAFA’s latest update, the draw takes place on Thursday, 20 August 2026.

South Africa could be drawn against:

• Ecuador
• Papua New Guinea
• Chinese Taipei
• Uzbekistan

Ghana is also in the play-off field, but Banyana cannot face them at this stage because both countries represent CAF.

Winning that first match would still not guarantee a World Cup place. It would move South Africa into the final stage of the inter-confederation play-offs, where the remaining places at Brazil 2027 will be decided.

There’s another big assignment first

Banyana do not have months to think only about the World Cup.

Their next competitive assignment is scheduled for October, when they face Madagascar home and away in the second round of African qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Coach Desiree Ellis says preparation over the coming weeks will be crucial before the World Cup play-offs, with the advantage that many of her players will be active in their domestic leagues.

The Bottom Line

Banyana Banyana missed their easiest route to Brazil when Morocco knocked them out of WAFCON.

But beating Nigeria gave them something far more valuable than consolation: another chance.

Two hurdles remain before anyone books flights to Brazil. For now, South Africa remains in the race.