Nthabiseng Majiya found the back of the net in the 35th minute with a delightful goal from the edge of the penalty box for Sasol Banyana Banyana to defeat Algeria 1-nil in their opening international friendly match, at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban on Tuesday, 14 April, 2026.
“I am happy with the result, but we can still improve on the performance.”
Sasol Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis
Majiya’s shot gave the Algerian goalkeeper no chance, and converted several unsuccessful chances before it, for Banyana Banyana to build their lead that would seal the match, which ended with that solitary strike on the scoreboard.
This was the first of two friendly fixtures between the two countries, who are using the exercise to ramp up preparations for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) that has been postponed to July.
The first clash against Algeria also marked South African defender Bambanani Mbane’s 100th appearance for the country. She made her debut in 2016 in a 3-0 win over Botswana at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa, and becomes the 12th Banyana Banyana player to reach the milestone.
“It was not an easy game, as we have not played together since last year,” said Coach Ellis. “Yes, some were involved in the COSAFA Cup, but not all of them, so it was important to give other players minutes.”
“This was also key because local players have not played league football, with the exception of Linda in Scotland and Hilda in Spain.”
Ellis added that the team would use the upcoming fixture strategically. “We will obviously look at what we are going to do in the next game, because we want to utilise these matches not just to play these players, but to work on other things in the game.”
South Africa will next be in action on Friday when they face Algeria in the second clash of the two-match series at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, with kickoff at 15:00.
Banyana Banyana International Friendlies Fixtures and Results List
Tue, 14 April: South Africa 1-0 Algeria (Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal)
Fri, 17 April, 15h00: South Africa vs Algeria (King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal)
Sat, 6 June 2026 – Japan vs South Africa at Nagai Ballgame Field, in Osaka, Japan
Tue, 9 June 2026 – Japan vs South Africa, at J-Green Sakai, in Osaka, Japan
Sasol Banyana Banyana Team List vs Algeria, 14 April 2026
Starting XI
16 – Andile Dlamini (Goalkeeper)
13 – Bambanani Mbane (Captain, Defender)
4 – Lonathemba Mhlongo (Defender)
20 – Antonia Maponya (Defender)
5 – Fikile Magama (Defender)
2 – Lebohang Ramalepe (Midfielder)
15 – Refiloe Jane (Midfielder)
10 – Linda Motlhalo (Midfielder)
6 – Noxolo Cesane (Midfielder)
8 – Hildah Magaia (Forward)
23 – Nthabiseng Majiya (Forward)
Substitutes
Kaylin Swart (GK)
Karabo Dhlamini
Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado
Nonhlanhla Mthandi
Bonolo Mokoma
Sinegugu Zondi
Shakira O’Malley
Khutso Pila
Thorisho Mphelo
Sbongakonke Mzobe
Nicole Michael
Wendy Shongwe
Katlego Moletsane (GK)
Main Photo Caption: Sasol Banyana Banyana forward Nthabiseng Majiya’s delightful 35th-minute strike gave South Africa a 1-0 victory over Algeria in the international friendly, in the team’s preparations for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban on 14 April, 2026. All Photos: SAFA
Photo 2 Caption: Sasol Banyana Banyana defender Bambanani Mbane celebrates her historic 100th international appearance for South Africa.
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