Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso last night, sealing their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The result not only secured South Africa’s progression to the knockout stages but also marked two significant personal milestones. Gabriella Salgado-Moodaly and Hilda Magaia each earned their 50th senior international cap, celebrating an important achievement in their careers and their continued contribution to South African women’s football.
After a challenging start to the tournament, Sasol Banyana Banyana has shown remarkable resilience, recovering from an opening defeat to a draw and now a crucial victory when it mattered most. The team will now turn its attention to the quarterfinals, where they will be back in action on Saturday, 8 August.
Reflecting on the team’s qualification, Gabriella Salgado-Moodaly said: “The most important thing is that we secured qualification. It hasn’t been an easy road, but we’re moving in the right direction. We started with a loss, then a draw, and now a win, so we’re building momentum. The team is strong, we’re fighting for each other, and the positive result has really lifted the morale.”
Isabella Ludwick shared her excitement about contributing to the team’s progress: “I’m really happy. It was great to start the game. Of course, it would have been even better if I’d managed to score. I had a few opportunities that I probably should have finished, but it was still a good start. Hopefully I can build on this performance and get my name on the scoresheet in the next game.
Veteran forward, Thembi Kgatlana praised the team’s determination and experience after securing qualification: “We weren’t going to give up that easily. We started the tournament slowly, but we’ve been building momentum. Sometimes football isn’t always pretty. It’s about getting the three points and moving on. Right now, the most important thing is to recover, arrive at the quarterfinals fresh and continue taking it one game at a time.”
Sasol’s Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships, Dean Somerset, who was at the match, congratulated the team on another memorable performance: “Watching Sasol Banyana Banyana secure their place in the WAFCON quarterfinals was a proud moment to witness. The resilience, unity and determination the team has shown throughout the tournament truly reflect the spirit of South Africa. Congratulations to the players and technical team on this important achievement, and special congratulations to Gabriella Salgado-Moodaly and Hilda Magaia on reaching the incredible milestone of 50 caps. We look forward to supporting the team as they continue their WAFCON journey.”
The team will now turn its attention to the quarterfinal fixture on Saturday, 8 August. We wish them every success as they continue their journey in the tournament.
