South Africa’s Banyana Banyana took a commanding step towards the next stage of the 2028 Olympic women’s football qualifiers with a 4-0 win over Madagascar in the first leg of their second-round tie in Bloemfontein on October 9.
Striker Ronnel Donnelly scored three times, while a late own goal completed the result. The match was played behind closed doors after Madagascar requested that spectators not be admitted.
The four-goal advantage gives South Africa a strong position ahead of the return fixture, scheduled for October 13 at the same venue. The winner over the two legs advances to the next qualifying round.
The result also gives Donnelly a notable milestone, with the hat-trick marking her first treble for the national team, according to South African media reports.