Banyana Secure Second Round Spot in CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers

A remarkable two-goal performance by Thembi Kgatlana proved decisive in securing a victory for Banyana Banyana over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a challenging match held on a wet and chilly afternoon at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, on Monday 30 October, 2023.

The team’s 3-1 Aggregate for the home- and away ties ensure that the South Africans are through to the third round of CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers.  

The senior South African national team, sponsored by Sasol, entered this crucial second-leg match against DR Congo fully cognisant that a win would secure their passage to the third round of the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers.

Despite a flurry of attempts in the first half, the home team struggled to convert their possession advantage into the opening goal. As the halftime whistle blew, both sides remained deadlocked at 0-0, leaving a palpable sense of tension hanging in the air in Soweto.

Thembi Kgatlana delivered the crucial breakthrough in the 71st minute when she skilfully outmanoeuvred the visiting goalkeeper, Ngamita Tulaka Brigitte. The goal came courtesy of an assist from the emerging talent, Nicole Michael, marking a pivotal moment in the match.

Coach Ellis expressed her post-game thoughts, highlighting that her team had the potential to score additional goals in this captivating contest. 

“We knew at home that we needed to take charge of the game, Andile Dlamini made a great save in the beginning that kept us in. They had one or two half chances but so did we.”

Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Coach Desiree Ellis

“We could have gone to the halftime break with a lead and we kept saying to the team, ‘keep the intensity up, keep the width up, and the gaps will come in between. Let’s move the ball around quicker,’ and that’s what we did in the second half.”

“We made sure that we did not concede, and this was also key. I said, if we don’t concede we will create chances, which we did.”

The 2-0 win propels the team to the third round, where they will contend with the winner of the match between Botswana and Tanzania.

Banyana Banyana Squad 

Goalkeepers 

Andile Dlamini
Kaylin Swart
Katlego Moletsane 

Defenders

Karabo Dhlamini 
Fikile Magama 
Faith Nokuthula 
Asanda Hadebe 
Tiisetso Makhubela 
Lonathemba Mhlongo 
Bongeka Gamede 

Midfielders 

Linda Motlhalo 
Kholosa Biyana 
Nomvula Kgoale 
Amogelang Motau 
Ayesha Moosa 

Forwards 

Nicole Michael 
Gabriela Salgado 
Noxolo Cesane 
Melinda Kgadiete 
Wendy Shongwe 
Hildah Magaia
Thembi Kgatlana 
Samkelisiwe Selana 
Jermaine Seoposenwe 

Main Photo Caption: The quality of international striker Thembi Kgatlana shone brightly on a wet and chilly afternoon at Orlando Stadium when she struck twice to give Banyana Banyana a 2-nil win in the return leg of their CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Soweto, Johannesburg, on Monday 30 October, 2023. Photo: Banyana Banyana on Instagram

Photo 2 Caption: Banyana Banyana progress to the competition’s third round by virtue of their 3-1 Aggregate at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg on Monday. Photo: Banyana Banyana on Instagram