Staff Reporter.
Banyana Banyana are one step closer to the Caf Africa Women’s Cup of Nations after they edged Algeria 2-0 in the first leg of the last round of the qualifiers at the Orlando Stadium on Friday.
Banyana had a decent start into the match, with Hilda Magaia getting a chance just after 10 minutes, but the winger’s header didn’t trouble Algeria shot-stopper Yamina N’Gazi at her poles.
Desiree Ellis side took a deserved lead through a set-piece in the 40th minute.
Magaia rose highest in a packed penalty area and guided the ball into goalkeeper Yamina’s open net to give the home side the breakthrough.
Banyana’s shining star, Thembi Kgatlana grabbed the second and final goal of the match in the 90th minute.
Second half substitute Gabriel Salgado broke down the wing of the Algeria defence and found Kgatlana with a pinpoint cross at the far post, the ex African player of year smashed her effort first time and gave the home side a 2-0 cushion.
The national women’s team lined up without inspirational captain, Janine Van Wyk but the return of Kgatlana, Refiloe Jane and Noko Matlou, who was making her 160th appearance, gave the home side an added boost in quality.
Algeria were almost gifted a way back into the match by an error from Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
The Sundowns keeper dallied on the ball as the Algerian attack closed her down, an attempted clearance fell to the feet of the away side with the goal gaping but Bambanani Mbane was back quickly enough to block the subsequent shot.
Banyana are headed into their next game with a bounce in their step as a 2-0 cushion that will surely afford them the right level of confidence ahead of their 2nd leg in 5 days time away in Algeria.