By Michael Madyira
Banyana Banyana edged closer to securing a ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games with a 3-0 away victory in Tanzania in the first leg of the second qualification round on Friday.
Jermaine Seoposenwe first struck 10 minutes into the contest before Thembi Kgatlana doubled South Africa’s advantage on 57 minutes at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam.
Hilda Magaia then threw the contest out of the hosts’ reach by sealing victory with four minutes remaining.
The result leaves Tanzania with a lot of work to do in the second leg set for Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
If they manage to defend their lead, Banyana will face the winner between Nigeria and Cameroon in the final qualification round.
On Friday, South Africa coach Desiree Ellis picked a familiar starting line-up, featuring regulars like Linda Motlhalo, veteran defender Noko Matlou, returning midfielder Kholosa Biyana and Lebohang Ramalepe.
It was a one-sided affair from the start in what was promising to be a Banyana high-scoring victory, especially after Seoposenwe coolly tapped in a Magaia cross from the left side.
But the home side managed to limit the damage in the second half, thwarting threats from South Africa’s frontrunners.
Not long into the second stanza, Kgatlana then beat Tanzania goalkeeper Idrisa Abasi from a tight angle after being released by Noxolo Cesane.
Banyana continued to dominate with little hope of Tanzania hitting back.
A composed Magaia then buried the hosts by lobbing the ball above Tanzania defenders into the net.
With eight minutes remaining, Abasi did well to deny Motlhalo as Banyana went on to claim the important victory that could make work easy for them on Tuesday.
Pictured above: Banyana Banyana midfielder Linda Motlhalo vies for possession against Tanzania players.
Image source: Banyana Banyana
