The reigning African champions head into the second leg of the qualifying tie with a commanding 4-0 aggregate lead after cruising to victory in Friday’s first encounter at the Toyota Stadium. Ronnel Donnelly stole the show with a superb hat-trick, while Madagascar also conceded an own goal as South Africa laid down a marker.

With a four-goal cushion, Banyana are well placed to progress, but Tuesday’s encounter will also provide another valuable opportunity for coach Desiree Ellis to assess her squad and build momentum ahead of a demanding period on the international calendar.

South Africa fielded a largely fringe side in Friday’s encounter, and Ellis could opt to bring more of her experienced campaigners into the starting line-up for Tuesday’s return leg, including regular captain Refiloe Jane, goalkeeper Kaylin Swart and prolific striker Thembi Kgatlana.

While the Olympic qualifiers remain an important priority, Banyana have an even bigger challenge looming in November when they face Chinese Taipei and Ecuador in the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs.

Ronnel Donnelly. Photo: Morgan Piek

South Africa will be desperate to make amends after failing to qualify for the global showpiece through the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The upcoming play-offs offer the African champions another opportunity to keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

Kgatlana told OFM Sport it is crucial for the team to deliver strong performances in the build-up to next month’s decisive encounters. “We know the games are going to be tricky, and I think we have put ourselves in this situation. 

“We could have avoided it in WAFCON, but we have moved past that, and now the focus is on how we prepare to ensure we are ready for the games we are going to play in the first phase of the FIFA play-offs.” 

The experienced forward also welcomed Donnelly’s impressive contribution in Friday’s victory, believing the striker’s three-goal haul will provide a significant confidence boost for both the player and the squad.

“To be honest, I think it’s always good for a striker to come in and score. The team is very happy for Ronnel and the hard work she has put in. The three goals she scored will give her confidence personally, but they will also give the other players the confidence they need to help the team compete for a spot.”

The second leg of the Olympic Games qualifier kicks off at 18:00 on Tuesday at the Toyota Stadium.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg