Banyana Banyana achieve objectives in Kinshasa

Thinasonke Mbuli, assistant coach of South Africa ©Nabil Ramdani/BackpagePix

Thursday Oct 23, 2025. 13:00

Banyana Banyana assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli says the South African national women’s team got the job done in their 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the first leg of their WAFCON qualifier in Kinshasa on Wednesday.

The 2022 WAFCON Champions took the lead in the 43rd minute through Kgalebane Mohlakoana but had their lead cancelled out by Ruth Kipoyi Monique before the half-time whistle.

Neither side was able to find the back of the net in the second half.

Mbuli was in charge of the South African national women’s side in the absence of head coach Dr Desiree Ellis and stated that Banyana Banyana achieved their objectives in the first leg of the tie.

“We had two goals coming here. One was to get the result and make sure we did not lose the match, and the other was to get an away goal, or two if possible,” said Mbuli, speaking after the game.

She was, however, not pleased with her side’s second half performance in letting their opponents control more of the game.

“I’m a bit disappointed in our second-half performance because I think we allowed them to attack us more, so we played under a bit of pressure. What’s more important was to get the result, which is a draw, and most importantly, to score an away goal.”

Mbuli had praise for Banyana’s opponent, citing the quality within the DRC side and the overall growth of the women’s game on the continent.

“The DRC has three international players, one of them starting in the Women’s Champions League for PSG (Paris Saint-Germain). This tells you that the team has good players, and it was never going to be easy for us. The game in Africa has improved because so many players are now playing abroad, and that makes the game more tactical and competitive.”

The team travelled back to South Africa directly after the draw and will be reinforced by Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana and Sinoxolo Cesane, who will all be available for the second leg at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

The overall winner of the tie will secure qualification for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.

By Nic Gleeson