The Banyana Banyana team advanced to the third round of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers after a confident 4-0 victory over Madagascar in the first match of the series. The game took place on Friday afternoon at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
In the second match, which will be held at the same venue on Tuesday evening, the Banyana team will maintain the advantage of home ground and expects strong support from fans. This is especially relevant because Madagascar, who hosted on Friday, decided to play the match behind closed doors.
Despite the comfortable lead before the return match, the Banyana team needs to maintain a high tempo to build the necessary momentum before the third qualifying round, scheduled for February-March next year. The overall picture, characterized by prolific scoring and solid defense, favors the team's broader goals, including upcoming World Cup 2027 qualifiers following an unsuccessful campaign at Wafcon.
Olympic Qualifiers
Coach Dizery Ellis, having assembled the strongest squad for the qualifiers, saw her players justify the trust placed in them. Forward Ronnel Donnelly, who started instead of Thembi Kgatlana, became the star of the match thanks to her sensational hat-trick.
The high forward opened the scoring in the 27th minute, rising above everyone in the penalty area and directing a corner kick from Karabo Dlamni into the goal with her chest. Shortly after, they collaborated again: Dlamni delivered another precise corner, and Donnelly, who was not marked, controlled the ball, turned sharply, and struck a powerful low shot into the far corner.
Throughout the first half, Banyana played with complete control. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was rarely tested, even joining the celebration as teammates dominated possession and created a convincing advantage.
Donnelly secured her first international hat-trick before halftime when Fikile Magama received a penetrating pass down the right flank and delivered it into the center of the penalty area for the strike by the Mamelodi Sundowns forward. Dlamini concluded a brilliant performance by providing her third assist of the day, passing the ball to Hilde Magaia. Magaia bypassed the goalkeeper with a sharp shoulder movement and directed the ball into the empty net, although Emmilen Solange from Madagascar desperately deflected it over the goal line.
By the end of the second half, Donnelly replaced Kgatlana, and although the attacking star did not add any goals during her time on the field, the task had already been accomplished. Ellis decided to give fresh players a chance in the second match on Tuesday, keeping several key players on the bench, as Banyana aims to conclude the task in style.