South Africa's Banyana Banyana face a must-win against Ivory Coast in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations Group B after a shock defeat to Tanzania. Get kick-off time, team news, and how to watch.
Introduction
South Africa's Banyana Banyana are in a precarious position at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a shocking 1-0 defeat to Tanzania in their Group B opener. The defending champions must now regroup quickly as they prepare for a crucial encounter against Ivory Coast's Lady Elephants. With their title defence on the line, this match is a must-win for Desiree Ellis's side. Here is everything you need to know about the kick-off time, team news, and how to watch the action live.
Background and Stakes
The defeat to Tanzania, a team ranked significantly lower, has sent shockwaves through the South African camp. Banyana Banyana, who lifted the trophy in 2022, cannot afford another slip-up if they are to progress to the knockout stages. Ivory Coast, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their own start to the tournament and will see this as an opportunity to assert themselves in the group. The match is set to take place at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, Morocco, a venue that has already hosted several thrilling encounters in this tournament.
Kick-off Time and Venue
The Group B fixture between South Africa and Ivory Coast is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 CAT (19:00 GMT) on Thursday, 31 July 2026. The match will be held at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, a stadium known for its electric atmosphere and capacity to hold over 50,000 spectators. Both teams are expected to receive fervent support from their travelling fans, adding to the intensity of this high-stakes clash.
Team News and Possible Line-ups
South Africa
Coach Desiree Ellis is likely to make changes to the starting XI that faltered against Tanzania. The midfield lacked creativity, and the attack failed to convert chances. Key players such as Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe are expected to start, with the latter looking to rediscover her goal-scoring form. The defence, marshalled by captain Janine van Wyk, will need to be more organised after conceding a sloppy goal in the opener. There are no reported injury concerns for South Africa, but Ellis may opt for a more attacking formation, possibly switching to a 4-3-3 to put pressure on the Ivorian backline.
Ivory Coast
The Lady Elephants, coached by Clémentine Touré, have a blend of youth and experience. They will rely on the pace of winger Rebecca Kassi and the creativity of midfielder Inès N'Guessan. Ivory Coast is expected to adopt a compact defensive shape and hit on the counter-attack, a tactic that proved effective in their previous matches. No major injuries have been reported, but Touré might rotate her squad to keep players fresh for the remainder of the group stage.
How to Watch
Fans around the world can catch the action live on ESPN, which is broadcasting all WAFCON matches across its platforms. In South Africa, the match will be available on SuperSport, while viewers in other regions can stream it via the ESPN app. For those in the UK, the game will be live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this pivotal encounter.
Key Players to Watch
Conclusion
As the stakes could not be higher, Banyana Banyana must summon all their experience and resilience to overcome Ivory Coast. A defeat would likely spell the end of their title defence, while a victory would restore confidence and put their campaign back on track. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, will be looking to cause another upset and take a giant step towards the quarter-finals. With kick-off fast approaching, fans are in for a tense and thrilling encounter. For more in-depth analysis and tactical breakdowns, be sure to check out SokaFundi's expert features for exclusive insights. Stay tuned for live updates and full match reports.
