Ronnel Donnelly’s Hat-Trick Puts Banyana Banyana in Command of Their Olympic Qualifier
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Banyana Banyana began their road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in dominant style, beating Madagascar 4-0 in the first leg of their second-round qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on October 9. Striker Ronnel Donnelly, starting ahead of Thembi Kgatlana, scored her first international hat-trick: two goals from Karabo Dhlamini corners before halftime, and a third in the 61st minute after a cross from Fikile Magama. A fourth goal came late in the second half.
Madagascar were the nominal hosts but have no suitable stadium, so the tie is being played in South Africa, and they asked for the first leg to be held behind closed doors. South Africa also host the return leg on Tuesday, October 13, where they will aim to protect their four-goal lead. The winner advances to the third round, with Namibia or Angola waiting.
The result is a welcome lift for a side that received a bye into this round after a disappointing quarter-final exit at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they failed to defend their title. South Africa are also chasing a return to the Olympics after missing the previous two editions.
Editor’s take: Coach Desiree Ellis picked her strongest available squad and got an immediate return. The more interesting question is depth: Donnelly was given the chance partly because other regular starters were missing, and she took it emphatically. If she keeps scoring like this, the debate about who leads the line for Banyana becomes a lot more interesting heading into the next round.
Quick facts:
- Banyana Banyana beat Madagascar 4-0 in Bloemfontein on October 9
- Ronnel Donnelly scored a hat-trick, her first at international level
- Return leg is on Tuesday, October 13, at the same venue
- Winner of the tie meets Namibia or Angola in the third round
Discuss: Can Banyana Banyana end their Olympic absence in Los Angeles? Tell us your prediction.
