South Africa’s senior women’s national football team spent the past week in the City of Roses for the two encounters as they continued their push to qualify for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The matches also offered head coach Desiree Ellis a valuable opportunity to assess her options ahead of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs.

The first leg, played on Friday, saw Madagascar take on the role of the designated home team at the Toyota Stadium. However, it was Banyana who dictated proceedings, with Ronnel Donnelly stealing the spotlight with a superb hat-trick. An own goal by Émilienne Solange further compounded Madagascar’s misery as South Africa cruised to a convincing 4-0 win.

Captain Thembi Kgatlana with a bicycle-kick shot on goal. Photo: Morgan Piek

The sides returned to the same venue on Tuesday, with supporters finally able to watch Banyana in action as South Africa assumed hosting duties for the return fixture.

Ellis shuffled her team, making several changes to the starting line-up and adjusting her formation. Hat-trick hero Donnelly was named among the substitutes, while the experienced Thembi Kgatlana captained the side and spearheaded the attack.

Kgatlana brought plenty of pace and purpose to the frontline, while Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado was a constant source of energy in midfield, working tirelessly to unlock the Malagasy defence and create openings down the right.

Despite enjoying the better share of possession and applying sustained pressure, Banyana struggled to turn their dominance into goals in the opening 45 minutes. Madagascar held firm, and the teams went into the break with the score still locked at 0-0.

The deadlock did not last long after the restart, though, as South Africa finally found their breakthrough.

Moodaly-Salgado got her reward for a lively performance when she finished off a well-worked move, with Hildah Magaia providing an excellent delivery from the left to set up the goal.

Ronnel Donnelly scoring her first of two goals. Photo: Morgan Piek

With Banyana now firmly in control, Ellis turned to Donnelly in search of further firepower, and the striker wasted little time in making her presence felt.

The Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies forward rose superbly to head home in the 67th minute, doubling South Africa’s lead before striking again ten minutes later to complete her brace and put the result beyond doubt.

Donnelly’s latest contribution took her tally to five goals across the two legs, making her one of the standout performers of the qualifying tie and strengthening her case for further involvement as the national team’s next challenges approach.

Player of the match Hilda Magaia was pinpoint with her crossing into the box - Morgan Piek

The victory secured Banyana’s progression to the third round of the Olympic qualifying campaign and provided a welcome boost in confidence ahead of a demanding period on the international calendar.

Speaking to OFM Sport after Tuesday’s match, Ellis said the two encounters had given her plenty to think about as she weighs up her options for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs. With talent available across the country, the national team coach acknowledged that competition for places would be intense.

“There is always selection pressure because there is so much talent out there, but you can only select a certain number of players based on how we want to play and what we are looking for,” said Ellis.

“We never close the door on anyone. We have recalled players who last played for us five or six years ago. They just have to keep believing, remain consistent and show their form, because we have some big games coming up.

“We have to get the right balance between youth and experience, make sure we have the right players in the right positions, and select multifunctional players who can cover a few positions because the squad will be a little smaller.

Ronnel Donnelly fires her second goal into the back of the net - Morgan Piek

“We have looked at a lot of players over the past two games, and now we need to get that mix right. The beauty of this team is that we can change formations without changing personnel. We need to make sure we have the numbers and options to adapt whenever necessary.”

Banyana’s visit was particularly significant for Bloemfontein football fans, marking the team’s first appearance in the city since 2018. Their successful return, complete with seven goals across two matches and a clean sheet in both encounters, gave local supporters plenty to celebrate while allowing Ellis and her technical team to fine-tune their plans for the challenges ahead.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek   cvdw