Banyana’s 3-0 Thrashing of Tanzania Puts Them One Step Closer to the Olympics in Paris

Banyana Banyana, who led 1-0 at halftime, put on a workmanlike display to defeat Tanzania’s Twiga Stars 3-0 in Friday’s Olympic third round first leg qualifier in Dar es Salaam.

The South African national women’s team will enter the second match with a commanding 3-0 lead at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday. Tanzania would need to score four goals and hold Banyana Banyana scoreless on Tuesday in order to prevent Banyana Banyana from moving on to the next round of qualifying.

For a ticket to the Olympics in Paris, the winner of the match between Tanzania and South Africa will face the winner of the match between Cameroon and Nigeria.

Since Rio in 2016, the South African women have failed to qualify for the Olympics. They were not selected for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But Banyana Banyana have been trending upwards ever since. They advanced to the FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 in 2022 and won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Now, high expectations are placed on the team that is rated second in Africa. And after taking on their first match of 2024 yesterday, Banyana Banyana’s chances in the qualifying stage appear promising.

Banyana Banyana, ranked 54th in the world, made a strong early impression against Tanzania (152), exerting pressure from the first whistle. When Tanzania’s defense stopped Linda Motlhalo’s shot and then held out against a corner a few moments later, the threat materialized.

The quick winger for Banyana Banyana, Hilda Magaia, circled the left flank of the rival defense before slicing into the goalmouth. As Tanzania’s central defense was unable to contain the threat, striker Jermaine Seoposenwe, who was playing well, skillfully slipped the ball into the net for a goal in the tenth minute.

Despite having more goal opportunities, Banyana Banyana had a slim 1-0 lead going into the half and went back to the changing rooms.

Banyana Banyana overcame Tanzania’s strong start to the second half, dominating and scoring more goals through Thembi Kgatlana, the captain, and Magaia.

The South Africans will depart Tanzania on Saturday in advance of the rematch on Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium.