Mbane backs Banyana to defend WAFCON title in Morocco

Banyana Banyana defender Bambanani Mbane believes they have what it takes to defend the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.

The South African side, who won the title in 2022, have been drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali ahead of the tournament scheduled to take place from 5-26 July 2025 in the North African country.

“I expect the team to win this upcoming WAFCON. We’ve shown that we can make things happen, so we are ready to deliver again,” said Mbane as quoted by Sowetan. “Going into WAFCON knowing that we’re unbeaten this year will help us a lot with confidence. Our morale will be high in this tournament.”

Banyana are currently in Casablanca for the final leg of preparations and will move to their base camp in Oujda on Thursday, 3 July 2025. This is the first time they have returned to the North African country since they were crowned continental champions in July 2022.

Banyana will kick-start the defence of their title against Ghana in 14 days’ time (Monday, 7 July 2025). This will be followed by the clash against Tanzania on Friday, 11 July with Mali last on the list in the group stages on Monday, 14 July.

All the games will be played at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda.