The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has praised Banyana Banyana for their strong showing at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

“Well done Banyana Banyana! Mzansi is very proud of how far you’ve come,” read a post shared by the department on X, following the team’s semi-final clash with Nigeria on 22 July.

Despite a spirited performance, South Africa’s senior women’s team was edged out 2–1 by Nigeria in a tightly contested match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

According to the South African Football Association (SAFA), the match took a distressing turn in the 83rd minute when midfielder Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious injury. The incident visibly shook the Banyana Banyana squad and coaching staff, disrupting the team’s momentum in the final stages of the game.

SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan, extended his well wishes to the injured player, while commending the team for their fighting spirit.

“First of all, we would like to wish a speedy recovery to Gabriela Salgado,” Jordaan said. “Banyana Banyana fought very well, and it was a brave performance from the WAFCON defending champions. You have established yourselves as one of the best teams on the continent.

“We fought bravely, and we are proud of your performance. Well done to the whole team, the team’s Head of Delegation Thabile Msomi, the coach Dr Desiree Ellis, the captain Refiloe Jane and all players. We are proud of your efforts.”

Banyana Banyana entered the 2025 tournament as defending champions, having won the previous WAFCON title in 2022. Their journey in this year’s competition has been marked by determination and teamwork, earning them admiration both at home and across the continent.

With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations set to conclude on 26 July 2025, South Africa’s focus now shifts to the third-place play-off, where the team will seek to finish the tournament on a high note.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture also encouraged the nation to continue supporting the team, saying their performance was an inspiration to young girls and future sports stars in South Africa.

As the tournament nears its end, Banyana Banyana’s resilience remains a beacon of hope and pride for the country’s sporting fraternity.