Ronnel Donnelly scored a hat-trick as Banyana Banyana took a commanding step towards the third round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers with a 4-0 victory over Madagascar in Bloemfontein on Friday.
Desiree Ellis’s side will return to Toyota Stadium on Tuesday for the second leg, with the advantage of home support after Madagascar opted to stage Friday’s match behind closed doors despite being the designated hosts.
Donnelly, preferred to Thembi Kgatlana in the starting line-up, made the most of her opportunity with a devastating first-half display. The Mamelodi Sundowns striker opened the scoring in the 27th minute, meeting Karabo Dhlamini’s corner with her chest to direct the ball into the net.
The pair combined again soon afterwards, Dhlamini delivering another dangerous corner for Donnelly to control, turn and drive into the bottom corner.
Her hat-trick was completed before the interval when Fikile Magama broke down the right and squared the ball across goal, allowing Donnelly to finish emphatically.
Banyana’s dominance was underlined by the limited work required from goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, while Dhlamini added a third assist with a pass that sent Hildah Magaia through on goal. Magaia rounded the goalkeeper before Madagascar defender Emmilene Solange inadvertently bundled the ball over the line while attempting to clear.
Ellis rested several key players despite selecting a strong squad, with Kgatlana introduced late in the second half.
The emphatic victory provides a timely boost after South Africa’s disappointing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign. However, Ellis will want her players to maintain their focus in Tuesday’s return leg before turning their attention to the next Olympic qualifying round, scheduled for February and March.
Banyana also have World Cup play-off qualifiers later this year, making a confident run of performances particularly valuable.