Banyana Salvage a Draw in Olympic Qualifier

On Wednesday afternoon, Banyana Banyana battled to a 1-1 draw against Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers, second round first-leg clash. South Africa’s team had to contend with a number of withdrawals, however they had a strong squad with the front three of captain Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia and Gabriela Salgado.

The visitors relied on the pace of Kgatlana up top in the opening exchanges but they had a scare on nine minutes after goalkeeper Kaylin Swart made a great save to keep out a threatening shot from Congo. Desiree Ellis’ charges continued to dominate possession but they were not finding gaps in dangerous areas and on 20 minutes were nearly punished, as Swart denied Ruth Kipoyi, who had a good shot from the edge of the box.

Grace Mfwamba eventually broke the deadlock just before the interval with a volley into the top corner after a cross in the box. Ellis made an attacking change at half-time as Nicole Michael replaced Amogelang Motau. Michael made an immediate impact for Banyana as Kgatlana levelled matters four minutes later and got an important away goal with a tap-in after a cut-back by the TS Galaxy forward, who showed great pace to beat her marker on the right wing.

The game stretched from end to end after the hour-mark and DRC almost got the second goal with 20 minutes remaining after they were denied by the upright. The game was on the balance in the dying minutes, with South Africa having more endurance to venture forward but they could not create clear-cut chances. Janine Van Wyk, who anticipated her 184th cap, which would equal Ahmed Hassan’s 11-year record in both male and female internationals, did not have time to come on, as the game ended all square.

Banyana Banyana put in a valiant effort in the first-leg of the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers second round against Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite a number of withdrawals, the team was able to hold their own and secure an important away goal in the 1-1 draw. Captain Thembi Kgatlana levelled the score four minutes after half-time, following a cut-back by TS Galaxy forward Nicole Michael. The second-leg is set for next Monday at Orlando Stadium.