Staff Reporter.
Thembi Kgatlana flexed her broad shoulders to carry Banyana Banyana to the penultimate round of the Olympics qualifiers with a 2-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The first leg played in Congo last week ended with a 1-1 draw. Therefore, South Africa advanced to the next round of the qualifiers with a 3-1 scoreline on aggregate.
Banyana were in control for most of the game and created a lot of scoring opportunities while there wasn’t much from DRC.
Their hard work finally paid off on 71 minutes when US-based star player Kgatlana found the back of the net.
Kgatlana was set up by Mamelodi Sundowns player Nicole Michaels, who had a good game on Monday.
Pikinini, as Kgatlana is nicknamed due to her small frame, completed her brace with two minutes left on the clock and ensured a victory for coach Desiree Ellis’ charges.
Banyana are determined to return to the Olympics stage after they missed out on the last one, 2020, through their failure to book a spot.
African champions are now in the third round of the Olympic qualifiers and will wait for the winner of the tie between Tanzania and Botswana. If Banyana overcome either Tanzania or Botswana, they will progress to the final round of the qualifiers.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.