South Africa’s senior women’s national team took the lead in the first half through Kgalebane Mohlakoana, who found the back of the net to give the visitors an early advantage. However, the hosts hit back just before half-time, with Ruth Kipoyi Monique levelling matters on the stroke of the break.

After the restart, coach Thinasonke Mbuli made a triple substitution to freshen things up – bringing on Nthabiseng Majiya for Mohlakoana, Linda Motlhalo for Lebogang Ramalepe, and Nonhlanhla Mthandi for Noxolo Cesane. 

Despite pushing hard for a winner, Banyana ultimately settled for a share of the spoils away from home.

Noxolo Cesane. Photo: SAFA

“We had two goals coming here,” Mbuli explained. “One was to make sure we got a result and didn’t lose the match, and the other was to get an away goal – or two, if possible.

“I’m a bit disappointed with our second-half performance because I think we allowed them to attack us more, which put us under pressure. But what’s most important is that we got the result – a draw – and, crucially, an away goal.”

Mbuli also praised the quality of the opposition and highlighted the rising standard of women’s football across Africa. 

“The DRC have three international players, one of whom starts for PSG in the Women’s Champions League. 

“That tells you how strong their team is – it was never going to be easy. The women’s game in Africa has improved a lot, with so many players now based abroad, and that’s made it far more tactical and competitive.”

The South African team returned home immediately after the match and will land in Johannesburg in the early hours of Thursday morning.

They will be boosted by the return of Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, and Sinoxolo Cesane ahead of the decisive second leg in Johannesburg on Tuesday (28/10).

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs