South Africa go into the match with one foot firmly in the next round after securing a convincing 4-0 victory in the first leg at the Toyota Stadium on Friday, courtesy of a hat-trick by Ronnel Donnelly.

While Friday’s match was an entertaining affair, it was technically Madagascar’s home fixture, and they requested that the game be played behind closed doors. The request was granted, meaning only the teams, their respective delegations, and the media were allowed into the stadium.

Tuesday’s encounter will have a different feel, however, with fans and supporters welcome to attend. Their presence is expected to add plenty of atmosphere as Banyana look to finish the job and book their place in the next round.

Defender Antonia Maponya said that, despite having a commanding advantage in the tie, the match remains important as the team looks to build momentum ahead of next month’s FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs against Chinese Taipei and Ecuador.

“This is one of the most important games, but we are not under pressure because we did well in our first game,” said Maponya, who holds the rank of sub-lieutenant in the South African Navy.

Regular goalkeeper Kaylin Swart could play on Tuesday. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s about practising how we want to play and preparing for the tournament in November.

“I think we’re going to play much better because we’ll have the support of the crowd. When we played over the weekend, the stadium was very quiet. We could hear our own voices and the coaches talking to us, but knowing that we’ll have people behind us will motivate us to perform even better.”

Maponya told OFM Sport that playing in front of supporters is something the team always enjoys, and they are looking forward to entertaining the Bloemfontein crowd on Tuesday night.

“As South Africans, we’re used to having support from the fans, and it changes the spirit and atmosphere of the game.

“We can still communicate on the field when there are supporters around us, but having that backing makes a huge difference.

“It’s actually very exciting. I didn’t know this part of the Free State, but it’s a good stadium and the field is nice.

Deportivo de La Coruña striker Hilda Magaia. Photo: Morgan Piek 

“It’s really great to play here, and it still feels like home because we’re in South Africa.”

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has also appealed to local supporters to turn out in numbers, with Friday’s first leg marking the team’s first appearance in Bloemfontein since 2018.

“I don’t think we’ve had a full or near-capacity stadium, so I plead with Bloemfontein to please come out and support us,” said the former national captain.

“You’ve been starved of Banyana Banyana, and here’s your opportunity. You’ve seen the Under-23s and Bafana Bafana come here, and now it’s Banyana’s turn.

“We urge you to come out in your numbers so that we can put on a performance for you.”

Ellis also indicated that Banyana could adopt a different approach on Tuesday, stressing the importance of ensuring that the team continues to evolve and adapt.

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Ronnel Donnelly scored a hat-trick on Friday. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We always look at giving others an opportunity, refreshing the team and finding ways to do things differently because, just as we analyse our opponents, they analyse us,” she added.

“The beauty of this team is that we can play in different formations and use different players. We want to play the ball on the ground, but sometimes the game demands something else, and we’ve shown that we can adapt and compete against the best in the world.

Mexico-based Sinoxolo Cesane was busy in the midfield during the first leg. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Considering where we are, this team has gone beyond everyone’s expectations. We’re grateful for the league because having a domestic league is important, but it needs to improve in terms of intensity. We need to get better and play more games.

“All of those things will help us grow as a team going forward.”

Tuesday’s second-leg encounter between South Africa and Madagascar at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs