Banyana Banyana battled back to secure a 1-1 draw against Democratic Republic of Congo in their 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier first-leg on Wednesday.
Kaylin Swart returned between the sticks before Karabo Dhlamini, Noxolo Cesane, Gabriela Salgado and star player Thembi Kgatlana picked out the offensive third.
Banyana experienced early spell of pressure and were fortunate not to go behind where a teasing effort produced a telling stop off goalkeeper Swart.
Swart continued to be the busier of the keepers and smothered yet another promising effort this time by Ruth Kipoyi ahead of the closing quarter of the first half.
Congo maintained the period of sustained pressure as Banyana battled and were ahead five minutes before halftime when Grace Mfwamba brought a perfect cross under control to find the top corner.
The South Africans looked to the bench following the break and took out Amogelang Motau to introduce Nicole Michael in a desperate quest to draw level.
It’s a change that turned out perfectly as the visiting team levelled when Michael played in a low ball for Kgatlana to tap in from close-range.
Salgado attempted to add to the cushion moments apart with a penetrative effort from smart bit of play, but ended up going wide of target.
Both teams went all out on the attack following the even set of affairs, but the end product up top let either side down.
Kgatlana looked for a brace in the closing minutes courtesy of a teasing shot from a clever distance, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
No goals followed on either side as the clock wind down and in the end shared the spoils with Banyana getting the crucial away-goal ahead of the return-leg.
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