South Africa endured a testing campaign in Casablanca, suffering a defeat to Tanzania, drawing with Ivory Coast and securing a crucial victory over Burkina Faso.
Their inconsistent results meant Banyana had to wait until the final group match to discover their fate, with their progression ultimately secured after Ivory Coast defeated Tanzania. The result saw Ivory Coast finish top of the group, while South Africa advanced in second place.
For Mthandi, the uncertainty and pressure surrounding their qualification could prove valuable as Banyana prepare for an even bigger challenge against Morocco at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
The midfielder believes the setbacks they experienced in the group stage have given the squad an opportunity to learn, adapt and build greater resilience.
Morocco will have home support firmly behind them, with the hosts expected to play in front of a passionate crowd. However, Mthandi insists Banyana are no strangers to pressure-filled encounters and are ready to embrace the occasion.
"Morocco is a very good team. We can't underestimate them. We know it will be a competitive game," Mthandi said.
"Sometimes you need to play the best to gauge where you are as a team. I think it's a final before the final. It will be a great game that brings a real rush of adrenaline."
The midfielder is also drawing motivation from the significance of the occasion and South Africa's recent history against Morocco.
Banyana defeated the Atlas Lionesses in the 2022 WAFCON final on Moroccan soil, and that experience could provide additional belief as they attempt to repeat the feat.
For Mthandi, however, the focus is not on the past but on producing another determined performance when it matters most.
"Ultimately, it comes down to why we do this. These are the moments that define us: working hard and fighting," she added.
With a place in the semi-finals at stake, Banyana will need to show the same resilience that helped them survive a challenging group campaign as they look to overcome the hosts once again.
