‘Past Results Don’t Matter’: Ellis Prepares Banyana For Hostile Host Clash Against Morocco

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says past results against Morocco will count for nothing when the two sides clash in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Banyana Banyana are just one match away from securing their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Brazil.

However, standing in their way are hosts Morocco in the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals, where the winner will book their ticket to the World Cup.

The two nations meet at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night, with kick-off at 22:00 SA time.

Morocco come into the match on the back of two wins and a draw, having not conceded a single goal. Banyana Banyana, meanwhile, were pushed all the way in Group B, finishing with a win, a draw and a loss.

“We came out of a tough situation in our group. We know how big this game is because we are playing the hosts with fans in the stadium, but we can only control what we can control.

“I don’t think anyone needs any motivation, as the winner goes directly to the World Cup, and it is a big moment for both teams. We have to be brave, of course. There will be moments that will be tough, and I think the way we faced our group really showed a lot of resilience and courage.

“Keeping a clean sheet in our last match has given us some momentum going into this game,” said Ellis.

The last eight meetings between South Africa and Morocco include a repeat of the 2022 WAFCON final in Rabat, which was won by Ellis’ charges.

Most recently, the two countries met in a friendly in November last year, with Banyana Banyana also emerging victorious.

“This is a once-off game, one that says who wants it more.

“Past results don’t matter in this match. It’s the final before the final, and yes, we all have one more route to try for the World Cup if we don’t win, but you don’t want that, so you have to give your all for this automatic spot.

“We know the dangers they present. We also have to play because no one is going to give it to you. You have to earn it,” added Ellis.

South African defender Karabo Dhlamini says they know what they are up against and will be ready for the clash.

“We are all aware that it’s not going to be an easy game, and we are glad we got Morocco because these are the games that we like to play. They show how much teams want to qualify, and I think it’s going to be one of the greatest games.

“We have young players in the team who want to go to the World Cup, and I think we would like to help them achieve that dream,” said Dhlamini.

In the remaining three quarter-finals, Cameroon take on Nigeria, Ivory Coast face Algeria, while Mali go toe-to-toe with Ghana.

The semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the losing quarter-finalists will go into the World Cup qualifying play-offs.