Banyana Banyana have named their final 24-player squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

South Africa are the defending champions of the WAFCON, having won the last edition of the continental tournament, held in Morocco in 2022, and will return to the North African country (which hosts for the second successive time) determined to secure back-to-back triumphs.

Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis trimmed the provisional squad down to 26 (24 plus 2 on stand-by) and announced the final list on Monday afternoon.

“The final selection is always the hardest part, because we have so many players putting their hands up,” said Ellis.

Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group C alongside Ghana, Mali and Tanzania. They will get their campaign underway on Monday 7 July with a clash against the Black Queens at the Honor Stadium in Oujda. Matches against Tanzania and Mali will follow at the same venue on 11 and 14 July respectively.

The top two teams from each group, as well as the two top-ranked third-place finishers, will advance into the quarterfinals, held on 18-19 July. The semifinals are scheduled for 22 July, with the third-place playoff on 25 July and the final in Rabat on the evening of Saturday 26 July.

Banyana Banyana squad for the 2024 WAFCON

Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula

Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo.

Midfielders: Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Mothlalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane.

Forwards: Adrielle Mibe, Kgalebane Mohlakoana, Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seopesenwe, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely.

On stand-by: Casey Gordon (goalkeeper), Nthabiseng Majiya (forward)