30 November 2018 – FIFA President has sent a congratulatory message to SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan following Banyana Banyana’s qualification to the FIFA World Cup in France next year.
Banyana Banyana booked a place at France 2019 World Cup following a resounding 2-0 win over Mali in the semi-finals of the ongoing AWCON in Ghana.
South Africa will meet Nigeria in what should be a titanic final on Saturday but a place at the FIFA World Cup is already assured.
In his message to Dr Jordaan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote:
“After a 2-0 victory over Mali in the semi-final of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2018 in Cape Coast last Tuesday, South Africa has qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and joins the host country, France and the other qualified countries in the top competition of women’s football.
“With this victory, South Africa has qualified for its first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup. I would like herewith to congratulate you and your national team on this historic qualification for the women’s football showpiece event.
“This achievement is the result of the determination of everyone involved. My since congratulations go to the Banyana Banyana, the coach Desiree Ellis, the entire technical and medical staff as well as the fans,” wrote FIFA President Infantino.
“I wish you all the best and I am looking forward to seeing you soon,” he concluded.
Banyana Banyana are expected to arrive back from Ghana on Sunday and touch down at OR Tambo International Airport at 17h30.