Banyana Banyana will have one foot in the COSAFA quarter-final door with a victory over Angola

Sasol Banyana Banyana can take a pivotal step towards the COSAFA Women’s Championship quarter-finals with a potential victory against Angola on Saturday.

After a promising start to their campaign, the South African women’s team is brimming with confidence following their 2-0 win against Malawi in their Group A opener.

In what was an exhilarating encounter in Polokwane, captain Sibulele Holweni delivered a standout performance with two second-half goals, complemented by a strike from substitute Bonolo Mokoma.

Coach Desiree Ellis has strategically assembled a squad of 38 players, leveraging this regional competition to evaluate emerging talent in preparation for the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026, scheduled to take place in Morocco next month.

Notably, the squad Ellis fielded featured a younger line-up, with established players such as Refiloe Jane, Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Andile Dlamini, and Noxolo Cesane observing from the stands.

Both South Africa and Malawi are utilising the tournament as an essential warm-up ahead of WAFCON in Morocco next month.

The first half ended goalless, a reflection of the tension gripping the two untried combinations.

However, South Africa found their rhythm after the break, creating several scoring opportunities. It was debutant Sinegugu Zondi who turned the tide, sending a precise ball to Holweni, who made no mistake in the 63rd minute, igniting the crowd with jubilation.

Ellis made several tactical substitutions, introducing Mokoma and Bongiwe Thusi for Gugu Dhlamini and Isabella Ludwig, and later Shakira O’Malley alongside debutant Sbongakonke Mzobe for Holweni and Regina Mogolola.

The changes paid off as Mokoma sealed the match with her first goal for the national team during the referee’s optional time, ensuring Banyana Banyana ended their first game on a high note.

Ellis expressed her satisfaction with the squad’s performance amid limited training sessions before the start of the season.

“It’s going to take some time, but we liked the way they stepped up, as it is a new group, a young group. We know what we need to work on because it’s all about WAFCON for us,” she stated, highlighting the importance of this tournament as a foundation for future success.

She was particularly pleased that all players emerged from the match unscathed.

In the context of the tournament, Angola also holds momentum, having commenced their campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory against Lesotho.

With both teams heading into Saturday’s matchup unbeaten, the clash promises to be a keenly contested encounter, as Banyana Banyana look to solidify their position in the knockout stages.