The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana are just 90 minutes away from qualifying for their 13th successive Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) finals.
This is after they scored a vital 2-0 victory over the visiting Algeria in the first leg of the third and final round of the qualifiers on Friday at Orlando Stadium.
Sweden-based Hilda Magaia and Atletico Madrid’s Thembi Kgatlana were on the scoresheet for South Africa.
Playing without their inspirational captain Janine van Wyk, who was on the bench, Desiree Ellis made eight changes to the starting line-up that faced Zambia in an international friendly in Lusaka last weekend – the visitors lost 3-0.
Among the changes, Kgatlana lined up alongside captain of the day Refiloe Jane (Italy), Kholosa Biyana (Spain), Linda Motlhalo (Sweden), Lebo Ramalepe (Belarus), Noko Matlou (Spain) and Karabo Dhlamini (USA) – and this spiced up the side up a lot.
It was then not surprising that Banyana Banyana dominated from the onset.
Despite being in control, Algeria almost snatched the lead in the 6th minute but Imene Merrouce fluffled her shot with Andile Dlamini to beat in the Banyana Banyana goals.
Jane also had a chance to put South Africa ahead just after the half hour mark amid confusion in the Algeria defence, but she shot wide.
The hosts, however, were duly rewarded for their dominance in the 40th minute when Magaia headed Desiree Ellis’ charges into the lead from a free kick.
Shortly after the break, Kgatlana could have opened her account but she hesitated in front of goals, allowing Algeria goalkeeper Yamina to save the day for the visitors.
Algeria were gifted a golden opportunity to level matters when Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini hesitated to clear the ball, and when she was closed down her attempted clearance fell to Fennecs but defender Bambanani Mbane saved her blushes.
The South Africans sealed victory with Kgatlana’s goal on the stroke of fulltime and there was no way back for the visitors.
Banyana Banyana kicked of their AWCON qualifying campaign with a 13-0 aggregate win in the first round.
Algeria on the other hand brushed aside Sudan 14-0 in first leg before being a handed a walkover.
With the 2-0 win, South Africa is just 90 minutes away from booking their spot at the AWCON in Morocco.
The tournament doubles as a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier where the top four will seal their spot for the women’s global soccer showpiece in Australia and New Zealand.
But first, Banyana Banyana will have to go past Fennecs when they meet in the second leg on Wednesday, 23 February 2022 in Algiers.
By Matlhomola Morake
