The South African Senior Women’s National team, Banyana Banyana is back home after being held to a 1-all draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa on Wednesday night (22 October 2025).
This was in the first leg of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier held at Stade des Martyrs in the capital city.
“We had two goals coming here, to get a result and make sure we don’t lose. The aim was to get a goal, if possible two and I think we tried first half. I am little bit disappointed with our second half performance because I think we allowed them to get into our half and our box more, and we played with a little bit of pressure,” said Banyana Banyana assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli.
“We took time to realise that they changed their pressing setup – instead of pressing with one they used two or three and at times we couldn’t come out from that press. But what is more important is that we got the result, which is a draw, and we got the most important away goal. We have three more days to prepare and try to finish at home.”
Banyana Banyana will be more confident of a better result as they will have extra arsenal with the arrival of the Mexico-based quartet of Sinoxolo Cesane, Amogelang Motau, Thembi Kgatlana and Hilda Magaia – who all missed the first leg in Kinshasa.
The reverse fixture will be played on Tuesday (28 October) at the FNB Stadium.
South Africa will have to be solid at the back as the visitors will also be eager to register an away goal, which could be the decider at the end of the day.
According to CAF rules, “if the aggregate score is tied after the second leg, the away goal rule will apply, and if still tied, a penalty shoot-out will be held. There will be no extra time.”
The overall winner will progress to the 2026 WAFCON scheduled to take place in Morocco in March – the tournament will serve as a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier, with the semifinalists booking their tickets to Brazil in 2027.
Back to the fixture in Kinshasa, both sides were playing their first matches after a three-month break since the conclusion of the WAFCON in July in Morocco.
It was the visitors who found the back of the net through forward Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (42’) who plays her club football in the DR Congo – this after a neat interchange passing with youngster Bonolo Mokoma of JVW.
The excitement was short-lived however as hosts restored parity before the recess through Ruth Kipoyi Monique.
South Africa introduced fresh legs after the break with Nthabiseng Majiya, Linda Motlhalo, and Nonhlanhla Mthandi checking in for Mohlakoana, Lebogang Ramalepe and Noxolo Cesane respectively.
But the scoreline remained the same with the 2022 continental champions grabbing the all-important away goal.
How South Africa lined-up against the DRC:
Andile Dlamini (GK); Fikile Magama; Tiisetso Makhubela; Bambanani Mbane; Karabo Dhlamini; Bongeka Gamede; Refiloe Jane (C); Noxolo Cesane (Nonhlanhla Mthandi); Lebohang Ramalepe (Linda Motlhalo); Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (Nthabiseng Majiya); Bonolo Mokoma
Subs:
Kaylin Swart (GK), Nthabiseng Majiya, Linda Motlhalo, Jessica Wade, Regina Mogolola, Yolanda Nduli
On the stand:
Dineo Magagula (GK); Shakira O’Malley; Thato Mofolo
By Matlhomola Morake
