Olympic Games: Banyana silence Madagascar

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Olympic Games: Banyana silence Madagascar
Banyana Banyana celebrating win, Image: SAFA

Banyana Banyana beat Madagascar 4-0 in the 2028 Olympic Games qualifier staged at Free State Stadium on Friday.

As expected, coach Desiree Ellis named a strong team in her bid to ensure the national team secure a vital win in the first leg in Mzansi.

Donnelly delivers in the first half

The hosts dominated proceedings from the onset in their bid to get an early goal to tame their visitors.

Nevertheless, they had to wait until the 25th minute to get their first goal, thanks to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies forward Ronnel Donnelly who connected with Karabo Dhlamini’s assist from a corner.

In the 37th minute, the lanky striker was on it again, this time around beating the goalkeeper from the edge of the box. The defenders had failed to clear a corner ball, and it fell to the attacker who did not hesitate to get her second in the first half.

Despite the many chances that were created in the first half, Banyana Banyana went to the break with a two-goal lead.

Donnelly gets her hat-trick!

After the break, South Africa started from where they had left in search of more goals. But they had to wait until the 61st minute when the Sundowns attacker once again put the ball in the back of the net to complete her hat-trick and make it 3-0.

It was a good build-up from the final third which left the defenders for dead before Donnelly put in a finishing touch.

Hildah Magaia then forced an own goal to ensure the first leg ended 4-0.

On Tuesday, the two nations meet again for the second leg, on the same venue, with Banyana Banyana the clear favourites to advance.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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