Majiya And O’Malley Shine As Banyana Sweep Algeria In Durban
Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Nthabiseng Majiya found the net once again as Banyana Banyana completed a series double, defeating Algeria 2-0 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday.
Playing before a vibrant uMlazi crowd, the South Africans maintained their momentum following Tuesday’s 1-0 victory at Princess Magogo Stadium. While Majiya’s previous goal was a clinical curler, her opener on Friday was a poacher’s dream—pouncing on a loose ball after a defensive mix-up to finish with composure.
The victory was sealed in the dying minutes when Shakira O’Malley reacted quickest to a goalmouth scramble, flicking home her first international goal while the Algerian defense remained in disarray.
These matches form part of Banyana’s preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco in July.
Head coach Desiree Ellis followed through on her pre-match plan, making several changes to the line-up. Karabo Dhlamini earned her 50th cap for the national team.
Bambanani Mbane, who reached the same milestone on Tuesday, started on the bench, as did captain Refiloe Jane, as the coach rotated her squad.
Midfield maestro Linda Motlhalo, fresh from winning the league title with Glasgow City FC, retained her place and dictated the tempo.
Sinoxolo Cesane threatened early for Banyana, firing wide after Algeria failed to clear their lines.
Just before half-time, Gabriela Salgado thought she had opened the scoring when she found the net, but her effort was ruled out for offside.
Algeria, however, came closest to scoring in the first half. Lynda Bendris, who plays for AS Cannes, squared the ball to Inès Boutaleb, but the latter scuffed her shot straight into the hands of goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
The breakthrough eventually came when Majiya capitalised on a loose ball, striking into the far corner after it fell kindly to her. Jane had initiated the move with a neat give-and-go before the ball broke to the Sundowns attacker, who finished with composure.
With Banyana largely in control, Motlhalo brought the crowd to its feet with a moment of skill, beating Melissa Bethi with ease as she attempted to close her down. Players who press Motlhalo too aggressively often find themselves exposed.
Later in the match, Bethi brought Motlhalo down with a late challenge as the midfielder continued to enjoy her game in Durban.
With three minutes remaining, Banyana sealed the victory when Algeria failed to deal with a corner, allowing O’Malley to react quickest and flick home the second goal.
Banyana will hold a final training camp in June, a month before WAFCON, and are scheduled to face Japan women’s national football team in away friendlies.
