South Africa’s national women’s soccer team has qualified for next year’s African Cup of Nations tournament. Banyana Banyana will head to Morocco to defend their title.

On Monday, the squad beat Burkina Faso 2-0 to advance 3-2 overall. 

Team captain Janine van Wyk also made history in her final game before retiring. She set Africa’s new record with 185 international appearances.

Coach Desiree Ellis praised Van Wyk’s commitment and heart through the years. She called the lifetime achievement “well deserved” for both Janine and the growth of women’s football.

Another South African star, Portia Modise, already owns the record for most goals scored internationally in Africa. 

The team’s next challenge comes in February against Tanzania for a spot at the Olympics.

Reaching another Africa Cup continues Banyana’s rise as a continental powerhouse. More young players also now have a pioneering local legend like Janine to inspire their own World Cup dreams.