Thembi Kgatlana scored in injury-time to help Banyana Banyana defeat DR Congo 1-0 in the second leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday night and qualify for the event with a 2-1 aggregate score-line.
The sides played to 1-1 draw in the first leg in Kinshasa last week. Coach Thinasonke Mbuli made several changes to the side that started the first leg with Thembi Kgatlana and Hilda Magaia starting ahead of Bonolo Mokoma and Kgalebane Mohlakoana.
There were positional switches for Bongeka Gamede and Lebo Ramalepe from central midfield and right wing in the last game to center-back and right-back respectively. This made way for Linda Motlhalo and Nthabiseng Majiya as Fikile Magama and Tiisetso Makhubela dropped to the bench.
The home sides fired early warning shots through Ramalepe and Kgatlana in the opening five minutes but were off target. Kgatlana had two other attempts saved by the Congolese goalkeeper while her 26th minute goal was disallowed.
Karabo Dhlamini also had he shot saved as well. The visitors had one good opportunity from Mawete Musolo and Andile Dlamini made a comfortable save leaving the game deadlocked at the break.
Amogelang Motau replaced Noxolo Cesane at the start of the second half. Six minutes into the stanza Wivine Makasi came close to scoring for her side but Dlamini was there to deny her.
There was another scare for Banyana from Congolese substitute Ruth Monique in the 74th minute but the home defense made an important clearance.
With 10 minutes left to go Banyana wasted a scoring opportunity the culprits this time Magaia and Kgatlana. Just as it looked like the game would end goalless Kgatlana produced a wonderful solo run and beat the keeper in the 91st minute to steal victory for the former African champions.
Banyana join hosts Morocco, defending champions Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya and debutants Malawi among the teams that have qualified for the 17 March-April 3 event.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
