South Africa’s senior national women’s team, Banyana Banyana, will face Japan in two international friendly matches.

Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis says this is part of her preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) later this year.

The first match will take place at Nagai Ballgame Field, Osaka, on Saturday, 6 June 2026. The two teams will again clash three days later when they meet on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, at J-Green Sakai in Osaka.

This will be a big test for Banyana, who are ranked 59th in world football, while Japan are fifth.

The Confederation of African Football announced earlier this month that the WAFCON has been rescheduled to 25 July – 16 August 2026.

The original tournament was due to take place in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026, but has been rescheduled “in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances”, said CAF.

Banyana Banyana will also play two international friendly matches in April, with the South African Football Association expected to communicate the details at a later stage.