The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have one foot in the fourth and final round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifiers after beating Tanzania 3-0 in a thorough demolition job away in the capital in Dar es Salaam on Friday, 23 February 2024.
Goals from the Mexico-based trio of Jermaine Seoposenwe, Thembi Kgatlana and Hilda Magaia led the assault on the home side with a goal in the first and two more after the recess.
The visitors looked a bit rusty in the opening stanza but were never troubled and it took them only 10 minutes to break the deadlock with a Seoposenwe on the mark to give Banyana Banyana a 1-0 lead at halftime.
South Africa’s Head Coach Desiree Ellis introduced fresh legs at the start of the second half, with Amogelang Motau checking in for Kholosa Biyana.
As the period wore on, the African Champion got better and it was no surprise when Kgatlana increased the lead in the 57th minute.
Gabriela Salgado then replaced Noxolo Cesane for more attacking options, while Nthabiseng Majiya took the place of Kgatlana.
Four minutes from time, it was game, set and match when Magaia slotted in the third for a 3-0 victory – with all the Mexico-based players getting on scoresheet.
The score line could have been more had it not been for the Tanzania goalkeeper who at times managed to keep the South Africans at bay with good saves, especially in the first half.
The result means Banyana Banyana continue their dominance over the Twiga Stars with six wins in as many games – and they also take a comfortable lead to the Mbombela Stadium where the two nations will meet again for the reverse fixture on Tuesday, 27 February at 19h30.
The overall winner will face either Cameroon or Nigeria who were playing after the Dar es Salaam affair.
The South Africans return home on Saturday, 24 February and will move to their next base in Mpumalanga.
Only 12 teams will participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and already through are the hosts, France, who have been joined by Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark from UEFA; Brazil and Colombia will represent CONMEBOL while the USA and Canada qualified through CONCACAF.
This means only four spots are up for grabs – with CAF supplying two representatives.
This is how Banyana Banyana lined up:
Kaylin Swart (GK), Lebohang Ramalepe, Asanda Hadebe, Karabo Dhlamini, Noko Matlou, Noxolo Cesane (Gabby Salgado), Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana (Amogelang Motau), Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hilda Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana (C) (Nthabiseng Majiya)
Subs:
Andile Dlamini (GK), Katlego Moletsane (GK), Fikile Magama, Gabby Salgado, Nicole Michael, Nomvula Kgoale, Nthabiseng Majiya, Sphumelele Shamase, Lesego Nkoane, Amogelang Motau
COACH: DESIREE ELLIS
By Matlhomola Morake
