Banyana Banyana ease past Madagascar to reach next Olympic qualifying round

Banyana Banyana secured a 3-0 victory over Madagascar in the second leg of their second preliminary-round CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier on Tuesday evening, completing their progress to the next stage.

South Africa entered the match in confident mood after a convincing first-leg win at the same venue on Friday. Madagascar needed a significant turnaround to overturn the result and keep their qualification hopes alive.

The hosts started brightly, with captain Thembi Kgatlana coming close to opening the scoring in the sixth minute. She arrived at the far post to meet Gabriella Salgado’s cross but could not make the required contact for a simple finish.

Kgatlana remained a constant threat and went close again 10 minutes later. A poor clearance fell to her inside the penalty area, but her half-volley was cleared off the goal-line by the recovering Madagascar defence.

The visitors made a change late in the first half as Mitia Andriafanomezana replaced Julie Silonilaina, with South Africa continuing to apply pressure.

Banyana Banyana nearly took the lead before the interval when Amogelang Motau’s powerful free-kick from outside the box struck the top of the crossbar and bounced back into play.

Their pressure finally produced a goal one minute into the second half. Hildah Magaia delivered a low cross from the left, and Salgado arrived at the far post to finish from close range.

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis introduced Ronnel Donnelly midway through the second half, replacing Salgado. Donnelly had scored a hat-trick in the first leg and made an immediate impact after coming on.

Kgatlana supplied a first-time cross into the area, and Donnelly rose to head the ball into the bottom corner. The goal took her tally to four across the two matches against Madagascar.

Donnelly continued to threaten during the final 10 minutes and completed her brace after making a forward run into the penalty area. She met another cross from Magaia and tapped the ball into the bottom corner.

Madagascar failed to create a serious threat as South Africa controlled the contest. Banyana Banyana had further opportunities to extend their already commanding advantage but could not add to the score before confirming their place in the next qualifying round.

South Africa’s confirmed line-up was: Swart, Maponya, Mhlongo, Pile, Zondi, Gamede, Cesane, Motau, Magaia, Moodaly, Salgado, Kgatlana.

Substitutes: Dlamini, Moletsane, Magama, Dhlamini, Qashani, October, Motlhalo, Daweti, Donnelly.