Ellis Drops Major Selection Surprises In Banyana Squad For Morocco Showdown
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has announced her final 26-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where South Africa will aim to reclaim the continental title.
The tournament will once again be hosted by Morocco, marking the third consecutive edition to be staged in the North African nation. It will run from 26 July to 16 August.
Originally scheduled for March, the tournament was postponed until July due to logistical challenges faced by the hosts. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation requested the postponement, citing scheduling conflicts with domestic competitions and pressure on infrastructure following the conclusion of other major football events.
Banyana Banyana head into this year’s tournament determined to bounce back after a disappointing title defence at the 2025 edition.
South Africa’s campaign ended in the semi-finals with defeat to eventual champions Nigeria before Ellis’ side suffered another setback in the third-place playoff, losing to Ghana on penalties to finish fourth.
The last time Banyana Banyana lifted the WAFCON trophy was in 2022 when they defeated hosts Morocco in the final to secure South Africa’s maiden continental title.
For the 2026 tournament, South Africa have been drawn in Group B alongside Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Tanzania. Banyana Banyana will begin their campaign against Tanzania on 27 July before taking on Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in their remaining group-stage fixtures.
Ellis has selected Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane and Andile Dlamini as her goalkeepers for the tournament.
The defensive unit comprises Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Bambanani Mbane, Antonia Maponya, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Asanda Hadebe and Khutso Pila.
In midfield, Ellis has named Linda Motlhalo, Bongeka Gamede, Refiloe Jane, Noxolo Cesane, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Gabriela Salgado, Robyn Moodaly, Sibulele Holweni, Amogelang Motau, Zoe October and Isabella Ludwig.
Leading the attack will be Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Nthabiseng Majiya and Ronnel Donnelly as Banyana Banyana seek to regain the African crown in Morocco.
A top four for Ellis’ side will be enough to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year.
