Desiree Ellis Unveils 26-woman squad for WAFCON

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has named her final 26-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Ellis and her technical team cut the provisional squad from 31 players ahead of the team’s departure for the tournament, which runs from 26 July to 16 August.

South Africa have been placed in Group B and will begin their campaign against Tanzania on 27 July, before facing Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire in their remaining group matches.

Banyana Banyana will be aiming to return to winning ways after finishing fourth at the last edition of the tournament. Their title defence came to an end in the semi-finals following a defeat to Nigeria, before they were beaten by Ghana on penalties in the bronze medal match.

The 2026 WAFCON tournament will also serve as a route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists securing qualification for the global showpiece.

Ellis will hope her experienced squad can deliver another strong campaign after South Africa lifted their maiden WAFCON trophy in 2022.

Banyana Banyana’s 26-player WAFCON squad:

Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane, Andile Dlamini.

Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Bambanani Mbane, Antonia Maponya, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Asanda Hadebe, Khutso Pila.

Midfielders: Linda Motlhalo, Bongeka Gamede, Refiloe Jane, Noxolo Cesane, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Gabriela Salgado, Robyn Moodaly, Sibulele Holweni, Amogelang Motau, Zoe October, Isabella Ludwig.

Forwards: Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Nthabiseng Majiya, Ronnel Donnelly.

Banyana Banyana will kick off their WAFCON campaign against Tanzania on 27 July.