South Africa’s national women’s football side continued their impressive build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought victory over Algeria at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Tuesday. Banyana Banyana secured a 1-0 win in what was the first of two consecutive friendlies against the North African outfit, demonstrating the competitive edge coach Desiree Ellis has been working to instil in her squad ahead of the continental showpiece.
The match, played in front of a supportive home crowd in northern Durban, saw Nthabiseng Majiya break the deadlock in the 36th minute with a well-taken finish from the edge of the area. The goal came after a crisp pass from experienced midfielder Refiloe Jane, whose creativity in midfield continues to be a cornerstone of Banyana’s attacking play. It was the kind of clinical finishing that will be crucial when the stakes get higher at Wafcon later this year.
Throughout the encounter, South Africa dominated large portions of possession and territory, with Algeria defending resolutely but offering limited threat in attack. Our assessment is that the visitors posed minimal danger to goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who had a relatively comfortable afternoon between the sticks. The hosts’ superiority was evident in how they controlled the tempo and rhythm of the game, particularly in midfield where they pressed Algeria into submission for sustained periods.
Banyana Banyana’s momentum builds ahead of 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came when stalwart defender Bambanani Mbane reached the remarkable milestone of her 100th South African cap in the victory. Mbane’s longevity and leadership at the back have been instrumental in establishing South Africa as a formidable force in African women’s football, and reaching three figures in international appearances is a testament to her consistency, professionalism, and dedication to the national cause.
The second encounter between the two sides is scheduled for Friday at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, in the south of Durban. This back-to-back format provides Ellis with the ideal opportunity to rotate her squad, experiment with tactical adjustments, and ensure all her key players get competitive match time before the tournament proper. Friendly matches of this calibre against quality opposition are invaluable for fine-tuning preparation without the pressure of official competition.
The 2026 Wafcon kicks off on July 26 and represents the next major objective for South African women’s football. Originally scheduled for March, the tournament was moved to the July slot following some uncertainty regarding Morocco’s commitment as host nation — a situation that has since been resolved to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. This relocation effectively gives Banyana Banyana several months to prepare comprehensively, allowing for a structured training programme and adequate warm-up fixtures.
Ellis has clearly identified this two-match series against Algeria as a critical part of that preparation blueprint. Playing at home in Durban offers the additional advantage of acclimatisation to local conditions, crowd support, and the confidence boost that comes with back-to-back victories heading into the international break. The team’s performance on Tuesday suggests they’re on an upward trajectory, though Algeria will be a considerably tougher proposition when they reconvene on Friday.
Banyana Banyana’s push for Wafcon glory remains ambitious but increasingly tangible, and with key players like Mbane providing experience and Jane dictating play, South African women’s football appears well-positioned for a strong showing in Morocco later this year.