Banyana Banyana v Madagascar: First Olympic qualifier to be played behind closed doors

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will face Madagascar in front of an empty stadium in the first leg of their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifying tie on Friday.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that no spectators will be allowed at the Toyota Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein for the match, which kicks off at 15:00 local time.

Madagascar are officially the hosts for the first leg but requested the match be played in South Africa because they do not have a stadium that meets the required standards for international fixtures.

Banyana Banyana, coached by Dr Desiree Ellis, have already arrived in Bloemfontein and held their first training session at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Tuesday.

Despite the restriction for Friday’s game, supporters will be allowed into the Toyota Free State Stadium for the second leg on Tuesday, 13 October.

That match is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 local time.

SAFA said in a statement: “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 association added that the decision followed a request from Madagascar, who are listed as the hosts for the opening leg.

Banyana Banyana will be looking to secure an advantage in the first meeting before returning to the same venue for the decisive second leg four days later.