Banyana had Ronnel Donnelly to thank for a clinical attacking display, with the Mamelodi Sundowns striker scoring a superb hat-trick to put Desiree Ellis’ charges firmly in control ahead of Tuesday’s return leg.

The match was played behind closed doors at the request of Madagascar, but that did little to dampen South Africa’s determination to take a commanding advantage into the second encounter.

Linda Motlhalo led Banyana Banyana with Refiloe Jane being rested. Photo: Morgan Piek

Ellis named a strong starting lineup, with experienced goalkeeper Andile Dlamini between the posts, Gabriela Moondaly-Salgado also featuring, and Linda Motlhalo leading the team as captain.

Madagascar initially made life difficult for the hosts, sitting deep and looking to frustrate Banyana Banyana’s attempts to break through. However, South Africa’s persistence eventually paid off in the 25th minute.

Donnelly was in the right place at the right time, arriving at the far post to turn home Karabo Dhlamini’s delivery and give the home side a deserved lead.

Coach Desiree Ellis. Photo: Morgan Piek

The striker then doubled her tally in the 37th minute with a finish that underlined her confidence in front of goal. Picking up possession on the edge of the penalty area, Donnelly made no mistake with a well-placed, low strike that beat the goalkeeper and found the back of the net.

With a two-goal cushion at half-time, Banyana Banyana had laid the foundation for a comfortable afternoon, but there was still more to come from the South African attack.

Donnelly completed her hat-trick in the 61st minute, capping an impressive individual performance and strengthening her case as a key attacking option for the national team.

The hosts continued to dictate proceedings as Madagascar struggled to contain the movement and pressure of the South African forwards.

Banyana Banyana added a fourth goal in the 78th minute when Hildah Magaia rounded the goalkeeper and sent the ball towards goal, with a Madagascar defender Emilienne Solange ultimately turning it into her own net.

The victory gives South Africa a significant advantage heading into the second leg, while Dlamini and the defence will also take confidence from a clean sheet.

Isabella Ludwig was busy on the attack for South Africa. Photo: Morgan Piek

Speaking to OFM Sport after the match, Ellis welcomed the result but acknowledged her team took time to find its rhythm, particularly in the opening half.

“Look, we didn’t play as well as we did in the second half. I think we struggled a bit to find each other. The combinations weren’t there. I think when Tabu came down with some footage and showed us, we did much better.

“We got onto the ball a lot more, got a lot more involved, overloaded on the side, and our movement was better. We created a lot of opportunities, so you can be happy with that.”

Ronnel Donnelly opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s always a work in progress. It doesn’t matter what the scoreline is – you’re always going to find something you need to work on. It’s practically a new group of players, not entirely, but we’ve got new combinations at centre-back and up front as well. It takes a little bit of time to get used to that because you don't have that cohesion all the time, but it got better as the game went on.

“I’m happy with the result. We said we wanted to do well in the first game to take the pressure off us in the second game, and we’ve done exactly that. We kept a clean sheet as well.”

While the four-goal margin will please the Banyana Banyana coach, Donnelly’s hat-trick was undoubtedly one of the biggest positives to emerge from the encounter.

The ever-reliable Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado had an excellent game in the midfield for South Africa. Photo: Morgan Piek

The striker’s return to the scoresheet is particularly encouraging after a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury. However, Ellis believes her forward could have added even more goals to her tally given the opportunities that came her way.

“I think, for the chances she had, she probably could have scored more, but I think she’ll be happy with the three. Coming back from a long-term injury, it’s a big confidence booster for a striker to score goals because that is your job.

“I think this will only help her going forward. She offers something different to our other strikers as well, and the way we play, sometimes we change the formation. In the game, we changed the formation twice because of the personnel that came on.”

Striker Thembi Kgatlana injected a lot of energy late in the game for South Africa. Photo: Morgan Piek

“That’s the beauty of this team – we’re able to do that, and you can’t even see it because it’s so seamless. I’m very happy for her. I think it’s a huge, huge confidence booster for her.”

With Donnelly firing, the defence keeping Madagascar at bay and the team showing its ability to adapt during the match, South Africa will travel into the return fixture with plenty of confidence.

Banyana Banyana face Madagascar in the second leg on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg