Banyana Banyana entered their final Group B match needing a victory and a favour from Côte d’Ivoire, who beat Tanzania 1-0 in the simultaneous fixture.
Those results lifted the 2022 African champions from bottom place to second on four points, three behind group winners Côte d’Ivoire. Tanzania and Burkina Faso finished with three points each.
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Kgatlana made the breakthrough after 21 minutes at the Moulay Rachid Stadium, finishing a move created by Fikile Magama to give South Africa the lead.
South Africa enjoyed more possession but struggled to turn their territorial advantage into clear chances as Burkina Faso remained in contention.
The Lady Stallions applied greater pressure after the interval, forcing Banyana to defend a slender advantage while closely monitoring events in the other group match.
Coach Desiree Ellis introduced Linda Motlhalo and Noxolo Cesane at half-time before Isabella Ludwig and Hildah Magaia joined the action as South Africa attempted to protect their lead.
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Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart and her defence held firm during the closing stages to secure South Africa’s first win of the tournament.
Banyana had begun their campaign with a shock 2-1 loss to Tanzania before recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Côte d’Ivoire.
Ellis’ side will now face hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals, where victory would also secure automatic qualification for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
