Ronell Donnelly Hat-Trick Fires Banyana Banyana to 4-0 Win Over Madagascar in Olympic Qualifier
- Banyana Banyana have made a strong start to their Olympic qualifying campaign, but the return fixture still awaits
- Ronell Donnelly's performance gave Desiree Ellis's side a major boost as they chase a place at Los Angeles 2028
- Hildah Magaia also featured on the scoresheet as South Africa produced a commanding display against Madagascar
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Source: UGC
Banyana Banyana began their journey towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with a convincing 4-0 victory over Madagascar on Friday, 9 October 2026. Ronell Donnelly scored three goals to put South Africa in a strong position ahead of the second leg of their Olympic qualifier.
According to KickOff, the Mamelodi Sundowns forward opened the scoring before adding two more goals to complete her hat-trick. Hildah Magaia also found the net as Desiree Ellis's team secured a valuable first-leg advantage.
Ronell Donnelly's hat-trick puts Banyana in control
Donnelly gave South Africa the lead shortly before the half-hour mark. She connected with a well-delivered corner from the left and guided the ball into the net.
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The forward struck again around the interval, meeting another corner before controlling the delivery and firing into the bottom corner.
Madagascar tried to respond before half-time but struggled to break through South Africa's defence.
Ellis made a change at the interval, bringing on Linda Motlhalo for Antonia Maponya as Banyana looked to maintain their momentum.
Donnelly continued to threaten after the restart. She initially missed an opportunity to complete her hat-trick but made no mistake in the 61st minute.
The striker moved towards the near post and finished Fikile Magada's cutback to register her third goal of the afternoon.
Hildah Magaia adds to South Africa's advantage
Madagascar found it increasingly difficult to contain the hosts as the match progressed.
Magaia added South Africa's fourth goal in the closing stages, finishing from close range after receiving a lay-off.
The result gave Banyana a four-goal cushion heading into the return fixture, scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October.
Banyana Banyana's road to Los Angeles 2028
The Olympic qualifying campaign offers South Africa an opportunity to return to the global stage after their disappointing quarter-final exit at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
The Confederation of African Football's qualifying format involves five knockout rounds, with the final stage determining Africa's representatives at the Los Angeles Games in July 2028. Only two African teams will qualify.
Banyana must now complete the job in the second leg. Their four-goal advantage puts them in a strong position, but the tie remains unfinished until the return match is played.
Banyana Banyana's Olympic qualifier played behind closed doors
Briefly News previously reported that fans would be locked out of Banyana Banyana's first-leg Olympic qualifier against Madagascar in Bloemfontein.
The report also outlined the arrangements for supporters ahead of the return fixture. Read more about the ticket arrangements and spectator restrictions.
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Source: Briefly News
