Banyana Banyana shared the spoils with DR Congo after a 1-1 draw in a first leg CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, on Wednesday, 22 October 2025.
The South African senior women’s national team struck first through Kgalebane “Pana” Mohlakoana, who put the visitors in the lead in the first half. But the lead did not last very long as the hosts equalised through Ruth Kipoyi Monique on the stroke of halftime.
After the break, coach Thinasonke Mbuli adjusted the approach and made a triple change with Nthabiseng Majiya replacing Mohlakoana, Linda Motlhalo coming on for Lebogang Ramalepe and Nonhlanhla Mthandi for Noxolo Cesane. The visitors tried to find the winning goal but eventually settled for a share of the spoils away from home.
“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.”
Banyana Banyana Coach, Thinasonke Mbuli
“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 also underlined the calibre of the opposition and the rising standard of football across the continent. “The DRC has three international players, one of them starting in the Women’s Champions League for PSG. 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.”
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The squad travelled back home to South Africa immediately after the match and will land in Johannesburg in the early hours of Thursday morning.
They will be reinforced by the availability of Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana and Sinoxolo Cesane ahead of the second leg in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
Banyana Banyana Squad for the WAFCON Qualifier vs the DR Congo
Kaylin Swart
Andile Dlamini
Dineo Magagula
Lebohang Ramalepe
Fikile Magama
Tiisetso Makhubela
Bambanani Mbane
Karabo Dhlamini
Shakira O’Malley
Yolanda Nduli
Bongeka Gamede
Jessica Wade
Linda Motlhalo
Nonhlanhla Mthandi
Refiloe Jane
Amogelang Motau
Regina Mogolola
Noxolo Cesane
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana
Hildah Magaia
Sinoxolo Cesane
Thembi Kgatlana
Thato Mofolo
Nthabiseng Majiya
Bonolo Mokoma
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Banyana Banyana Centre-Forward Bonolo Mokoma drives the possession forwards with Noxolo Cesane monitoring her progress. South Africa scored a valuable away goal through Kgalebane Mohlakoana in their away leg 1-all draw. Photo: SAFA
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