South Africa ramps up for Women's Africa Cup of Nations: double clash against Japan in June

Banyana Banyana women's team to hold a training camp on Japanese soil.

Africa 31 May 2026 at 06:15

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South Africa ramps up for Women's Africa Cup of Nations: double clash against Japan in June

South Africa continues its intensive preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Banyana Banyana women's team will face their Japanese counterparts twice next month, with both matches scheduled to take place in Japan.

The first encounter is set for Saturday, June 6 at the Nagai Ballgame Field, while the second will be held on Tuesday, June 9 at the J-Green Sakai Stadium in Osaka.

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has announced a 23-player squad for the double-header against Japan: Saturday, June 6 (Nagai Ballgame Field), and Tuesday, June 9 at J-Green Sakai Stadium, Osaka#banyanaBanyana #sasolinsport @adidas @StandardBankZA pic.twitter.com/GlsSuqzrHC
— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) 14 May 2026

These friendlies against Japan come at a perfect time, as the Japanese team is considered one of the powerhouses of women’s football worldwide, currently ranked fifth in the latest FIFA rankings. Banyana Banyana are gearing up for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco by taking on top-tier competition.