Banyana Banyana to know identity of WAFCON opponents on Friday

The draw for the 13th edition of the tournament will commence at 9pm South African time and will be held at Mohammed VI Technical Centre in Sale.

The 2024 competition was scheduled to be played in June/July this year but clashed with the Olympic Games in Paris.

The WAFCON was then postponed to July 2025.

Morocco qualified as hosts, joined by South Africa, Algeria, Ghana, Botswana, DR Congo, Tunisia, Senegal, Nigeria, Mali, Tanzania and Zambia.

“It’s inching closer to the tournament and we can’t wait to know who we will face in defence of our title. Knowing your opponents early helps in terms of profiling them and getting the right personnel to take to the competition, so yes we will be watching with keen interest as to who we draw,” said Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis.

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The South Africans won the tournament in 2022 after defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final.

Nigeria is the most successful country in the competition as they have won it a record 11 times, and will be making their 15 appearances, just one more that South Africa.

Making a return to the continental women’s tournament is Tanzania, who last played in 2010 and 2024 will be their second participation.

After being almost ever present, Ghana return to the scene after missing out in 2022. They were hosts in their last appearance in 2018.

South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Morocco, Botswana, Senegal and Tunisia were part of the 12^th edition in 2022, while Algeria, DR Congo, Algeria and Mali missed out.

Banyana have played a number of friendly matches to prepare for the defence of their title, facing Senegal in two games, as well as Denmark and England – all matches were away.

The South Africans will close off the year with a visit to Jamaica for two fixtures on 29 November and 2 December, and Ellis is expected to announce her squad in the next few days.