Banyana Banyana advance in Olympic qualifying with aggregate win over Madagascar

Banyana Banyana reached the next round of the Olympic Qualifiers after completing a 7-1 aggregate victory over Madagascar with a 3-0 win in Tuesday evening’s second leg in Bloemfontein.

South Africa had already taken control of the tie with a 4-1 victory in Friday’s first leg at Toyota Stadium, where supporters were not permitted to attend.

With Desiree Ellis’ side holding a three-goal advantage, the coach made several changes for the return match. Kaylin Swart, Thembi Kgatlana, Antonia Maponya, Bongeka Gamede and Noxolo Cesane were brought into the starting XI.

The opening 45 minutes produced little of the attacking action seen in the first meeting. Madagascar appeared to have addressed the errors that had cost them in the first leg and kept South Africa at bay, with the teams level at 0-0 at half-time.

The deadlock was broken just a minute after the restart. Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado put the hosts ahead to give them further control of the contest.

Salgado’s contribution ended soon afterwards, with Ronnel Donnelly introduced in her place. Ellis also replaced Gamede with Linda Motlhalo with just over 25 minutes remaining.

The changes had an immediate impact. Donnelly scored in the 64th minute to make it 2-0 on the night and add another goal to the three she had scored in the first leg.

She completed her brace 15 minutes from time, finishing from close range to extend South Africa’s lead in the second leg to 3-0 and seal the 7-1 aggregate success.

South Africa started with Kaylin Swart in goal, alongside Antonia Maponya, Mhlongo, Pile and Zondi in defence. Gamede, Cesane and Motau formed the midfield, with Magaia, Moodaly-Salgado and Thembi Kgatlana leading the attack.

The substitutes were Dlamini, Moletsane, Magama, Dhlamini, Qashani, October, Linda Motlhalo, Daweti and Ronnel Donnelly.