Donnelly Hat-Trick Powers Banyana Against Madagascar In LA 2028 Olympic Qualifier
Banyana Banyana seized total control of their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games CAF qualifying tie with a dominant 4-0 win over Madagascar at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday.
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Ronnel Donnelly netted a magnificent hat-trick before Hildah Magaia added a late fourth, giving South Africa a commanding four-goal cushion ahead of Tuesday’s second leg.
The victory puts Desiree Ellis’s side on the brink of advancing to the next round of continental qualifiers.
How Did Ronnel Donnelly Score Her First Banyana Banyana Hat-Trick?
Mamelodi Sundowns forward Ronnel Donnelly stole the show in Bloemfontein. Handed a rare start ahead of star forward Thembi Kgatlana—who began on the bench—the Durban-born striker repaid Desiree Ellis’ trust in emphatic style.
Donnelly opened the scoring in the 26th minute, bundling home Karabo Dhlamini’s dangerous corner kick. Eleven minutes later, she showed composure inside the box, turning her for space to slot a far-post finish past the goalkeeper for her second.
She completed a memorable hat-trick in the 63rd minute, timing her run perfectly to turn home Fikile Magama’s sharp cross at the near post. Donnelly leaves Toyota Stadium with the match ball after etching her name into national team history.
Can Banyana Banyana End Their Olympic Games Absence for LA 2028?
WAFCON 2022 heroine Hildah Magaia capped off the performance in the 78th minute. Nicknamed “The Breadwinner” for her historic goals in Rabat, Magaia showed composure to round the Malagasy goalkeeper and roll the ball into an empty net.
South Africa last competed at the Olympic Games at Rio 2016, having missed out on Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. This comfortable advantage puts Banyana in pole position to progress toward LA 2028.
Why Is Madagascar Playing Their Home Leg in South Africa?
Madagascar agreed to host the second leg at Toyota Stadium (Free State Stadium) due to CAF stadium infrastructure compliance requirements in Antananarivo, allowing Desiree Ellis’s squad avoids grueling international travel ahead of the return fixture.
The two sides return to Toyota Stadium for the second leg on Tuesday, 13 October, where Banyana will aim to formally seal their passage to the next stage.
