Donnelly hat-trick puts Banyana Banyana in control against Madagascar

Ronnel Donnelly scored a hat-trick as Banyana Banyana took a major step towards the third round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers with a 4-0 first-leg victory over Madagascar in Bloemfontein.

The match was played at Toyota Stadium on Friday afternoon, with the second leg scheduled at the same venue on Tuesday night. Madagascar were the designated hosts for the opening game but chose to stage it behind closed doors, meaning Banyana Banyana will again have home advantage in the return fixture.

Despite their commanding lead, Desiree Ellis’ side will be expected to maintain their intensity as they seek to build momentum for the third qualification round, which will take place between February and March next year.

The result also provided encouragement for Banyana Banyana’s wider ambitions. Their next major challenge later this year will be the 2027 World Cup play-off qualifiers, following a disappointing Wafcon campaign.

Ellis selected her strongest available squad for the Olympic qualifiers, and the decision was rewarded with a dominant performance. Donnelly was preferred to Thembi Kgatlana in attack and responded with a decisive display.

The Mamelodi Sundowns striker opened the scoring in the 27th minute, rising highest in the penalty area to meet Karabo Dhlamini’s corner. The ball came off Donnelly’s chest before finding the net.

Donnelly and Dhlamini combined again soon afterwards. Another accurately delivered corner found Donnelly unmarked, and she controlled the ball before turning and driving a low finish into the bottom corner.

Banyana Banyana controlled the first half, retaining possession and limiting Madagascar to very few opportunities. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was rarely called into action and was able to join her team-mates in celebrating their growing advantage.

Donnelly completed her first international hat-trick before half-time. Fikile Magama collected a through ball on the right and sent it across the face of goal, allowing Donnelly to apply a powerful finish.

Dhlamini completed her outstanding afternoon with a third assist when she played a pass through to Hildah Magaia. Magaia used a sharp drop of the shoulder to go around the goalkeeper and shot towards an unguarded goal.

Madagascar defender Emmilene Solange attempted to prevent the ball from crossing the line but could only bundle it into her own net as Banyana Banyana moved 4-0 ahead.

Kgatlana came on for Donnelly late in the second half, but the substitute could not add to the score. By then, the job had effectively been completed.

Ellis rested several key players during the match and is expected to use Tuesday’s second leg to give other members of the squad an opportunity as Banyana Banyana attempt to finish the tie emphatically.