Madagascar request leaves Banyana Banyana Olympic qualifier without spectators

Banyana Banyana will begin their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifying campaign behind closed doors after the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that spectators will not be permitted at Friday’s first-leg clash against Madagascar.

The two nations are set to meet in a two-legged qualifier at the Toyota Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, with the opening fixture scheduled for 15:00 on Friday, 9 October 2026.

SAFA said the decision followed a request from Madagascar, who are officially the hosts for the first leg despite the match being played in South Africa.

According to the South African football governing body, Madagascar does not have a stadium that meets the required standard to host an international fixture, forcing the island nation to stage the match at the Toyota Free State Stadium.

The arrangement means Banyana Banyana will have to negotiate their opening Olympic qualifier without the support of spectators in the stands.

Fans return for second leg

While supporters will miss Friday’s encounter, they will be allowed to attend the return fixture at the same stadium four days later.

The second leg will take place at the Toyota Free State Stadium on Tuesday, 13 October, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

The two matches will determine which side advances in the qualification process for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

SAFA officially announced the restrictions, saying: “The South African Football Association (SAFA) would like to inform the public that no spectators will be allowed in the first match of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers between Madagascar and Sasol Banyana Banyana on Friday, 9 October 2026.”

“The decision comes following a request made by the visiting team Madagascar, who are the hosts of the first leg Olympic Games qualifier.”

SAFA also confirmed that supporters will be permitted to attend the second encounter, stating: “Fans will, however, be allowed to attend the second leg scheduled for the same venue with an 18h00 kick off.”

Ellis’ side already in Bloemfontein

Dr Desiree Ellis’ squad has already settled in Bloemfontein as preparations for the tie continue.

Banyana Banyana arrived in the City of Roses ahead of the first leg and held their opening training session at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Tuesday morning.

The early arrival gives Ellis and her technical team time to prepare the players for a tie that will begin under unusual circumstances, with the first match taking place without supporters.

Madagascar’s inability to host the fixture at a suitable venue has resulted in the first leg being moved to South Africa, although the island nation retains its status as the home side for the opening encounter.

Banyana Banyana will therefore have to adapt to the unusual home-away arrangement as they seek to establish an advantage before Tuesday’s return fixture.

With the second leg also taking place in Bloemfontein, South Africa will have an opportunity to play in front of home supporters when the decisive encounter gets underway at 18:00.