Bantwana Seal Place in Final Round of 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
The South African U17 Women’s National Team booked their place in the third and final round of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after playing to a goalless draw against Tanzania in the second leg of their second round tie at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
Bantwana won 2-0 on aggregate, but it was not an easy day in the office in Atteridgeville, with the visitors pushing the hosts all the way. When the defence was breached, goalkeeper Dakalo Mafumo stood firm, thwarting several Tanzanian attempts on goal to keep the scoreline intact.
The home side had some chances to consolidate their lead but could not find the back of the net. In the end, they shared the spoils with Tanzania, enough to see the hosts through to the next round.
“As I had said before this was going to be a very difficult game, and it proved to be like that.”
Bantwana Head Coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo
“Credit must go to the defence and the goalkeeper who worked tirelessly amidst relentless attacks from Tanzania. It was very difficult to penetrate them, but the good thing is we were able to deny them any goals as that would have probably brought them back into the game,” said Khumalo.
South Africa will now face Kenya in the final round of the qualifiers, scheduled to be played from 3 to 13 July 2026 in a two-legged affair. The East Africans edged out fellow CECAFA member nation Uganda on the away goals rule, with Kenya drawing 1-1 in the first leg before holding firm to a goalless second leg.
“This is really special for us to get to this stage, and I believe we have a strong enough team to go all the way, and also because the players are hungry for a spot at the World Cup. We have seen how Kenya plays and we will go and prepare accordingly for that big match, but for now we will celebrate today’s success and regroup later in June,” added Khumalo.
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Morocco will host the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup from 17 October to 7 November 2026. Africa has been allocated five spots, with only four tickets remaining following Morocco’s automatic qualification as host nation.
The 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers Third Round Ties from Friday, 3 July to Monday, 13 July 2026 (Venues TBC)
South Africa vs. Kenya
Zambia vs. Ethiopia
Senegal vs. Ghana
Nigeria vs. Benin
Bantwana Starting XI vs Tanzania, 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier Second Round Second Leg at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday, 31 May 2026
16. Dakalo Mafumo (GK)
4. Alwande Mbatha
5. Whitney Havene
2. Ntokozo Paradzayi
9. Thorisho Mphelo
19. Pulane Moloi
12. Rethabile Molefe
10. Katleho Malebana (Captain)
8. Katlego Mohale
7. Khwezi Khoza
15. Aaliyah Jacobs
Substitutes
Andiswa Zuma
Esam Ngqumshe
Farah Thomas
Lisakhanya Situlweni
Mmasello Ledwaba
Dazel Mkhari
Okuhle Sithole
Othandwayo Zondani
Samkelisiwe Mthembu (GK)
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Bantwana goalkeeper Dakalo Mafumo and her defensive teammates kept Tanzania at bay in a goalless draw at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday, 31 May 2026, sealing a 2-0 aggregate win and a place in the third and final round of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Kenya. Photo: SAFA
Crédito: Link de origem