Banyana book date with Japan in massive WAFCON preparation

Banyana Banyana are set for a massive technical test this June, as coach Desiree Ellis gears up to wrestle the continental crown back from rivals Nigeria.

SAFA has confirmed that the South African senior women’s national team will travel to East Asia to face Japan in two high-profile international friendlies. These matches form a vital part of the preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which has been rescheduled for July and August.

🔹なでしこジャパン🔹
\\ ⚽️ 対戦チーム・テレビ放送決定📺 //

🏆国際親善試合
🗓6.6(土) ⌚️15:50
🆚南アフリカ女子代表🇿🇦
🏟YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM(現ヨドコウ桜スタジアム/大阪)
📺フジテレビ系列で全国生中継(一部地域除く)

チケット販売中!!🎟
🔗https://t.co/1u8629dONb#なでしこジャパン… pic.twitter.com/EobspQD28w

— JFAなでしこサッカー (@jfa_nadeshiko) March 24, 2026

Osaka Double-Header Confirmed For Banyana

The Desiree Ellis troops will set up camp in Osaka for two clashes against the former world champions.

Match 1: Saturday, 6 June 2026 – Nagai Ballgame Field, Osaka.

Match 2: Tuesday, 9 June 2026 – J-Green Sakai, Osaka.

Facing the disciplined Japanese side is a strategic move by Ellis to sharpen her squad following a disappointing fourth-place finish in the last edition of the tournament.

The Road to Morocco: Group B in Rabat

Earlier this month, CAF announced that the WAFCON—originally slated for April—has been moved to 25 July – 16 August 2026 due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group B, which will be based in the capital city of Rabat. They will call the Al Madina Stadium home for the group stages, where they are scheduled to face: Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for the South African side. After winning their maiden title in 2022, Banyana saw the trophy return to West Africa. Nigeria, the record 10-time African champions, are the current defending champions, having reclaimed their throne in 2024.

With two additional friendlies scheduled for April 2026 (opponents to be confirmed by SAFA), Ellis is leaving nothing to chance as she looks to secure South Africa’s second WAFCON title and knock the Super Falcons off their perch.