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Johannesburg - The South African women's soccer team have qualified for the ninth Edition African Women's Championship (AWC) following the withdrawal of Comoros on Tuesday.
The Comoran Football Federation withdrew from the competition after their women's team was beaten 13-0 by South Africa last Friday.
Comoros were scheduled to travel to South Africa next week for the second leg on Saturday June 7.
The 2014 African Women's Championship will be held in Namibia from October 11-25.
The tournament will also be used as qualification for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, with the top three qualifying for the finals in Canada.
"It is very unfortunate that Comoros had to withdraw from the qualifiers as it is not very good for the development of football in Africa.
"Even though I understand where they are coming from, I believe coming here to play their match would have been more beneficial for them as they would have learned a few other things," said Banyana Banyana head coach Vera Pauw.
"On the other hand I am quite ecstatic about qualifying for AWC in my first stint with Banyana Banyana, and I believe it is something worth celebrating.
"I am really looking forward to the tournament, but we should not forget the bigger picture is to qualify for the Women's World Cup in Canada.
"Going to AWC means we are a step closer to achieving that dream." Pauw said the withdrawal had not dented her preparation programme.
"Just yesterday we were mapping the way forward and fine-tuning our programme.
"Despite the setback of Comoros not coming, we are already looking for a match to play for that weekend because we need to keep the girls active. We will still be in camp regardless," added Pauw.
