UMLAZI — April 18, 2026 Sasol Banyana Banyana wrapped up a flawless international window this week, securing a 2-0 victory over Algeria on Friday afternoon at a packed King Zwelithini Stadium. The win completed a convincing two-match sweep over the North Africans, signalling South Africa’s intent as they accelerate preparations for the upcoming 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Friday’s clash saw head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis heavily rotate her squad, making six changes to the starting lineup that ground out a victory earlier in the week. The objective was clear: test the depth of the squad and refine tactical combinations.
Despite the changes, the reigning African champions did not miss a beat. Following a tightly contested first half, the deadlock was broken in the 58th minute by the in-form Nthabiseng Majiya, who fired home her second goal in as many games. With Algeria pushing for an equalizer in the dying moments of the match, second-half substitute Shakira O’Malley put the game to bed, scoring four minutes from full-time to secure the 2-0 win.
The match also served as a special milestone for defender Karabo Dhlamini, who ran out for her 50th international cap.
Building on Tuesday’s Foundation
Friday’s dominant display followed a tighter affair earlier in the week. On Tuesday, April 14, South Africa edged the Algerians 1-0 at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu. Majiya was the hero in that fixture as well, finding the back of the net in the 35th minute with a beautifully struck effort from the edge of the box.
Tuesday’s opener was similarly marked by a historic individual achievement, as veteran defender Bambanani Mbane earned her 100th cap, becoming only the 12th player in Banyana Banyana history to reach the century mark.
Coach Desiree Ellis expressed immense satisfaction with the team’s overall output during the window, particularly highlighting their defensive fortitude.
“It is always good to win, but the main thing was to test the players so that we could see how far we are,” Dr. Ellis noted after Friday’s victory. “I think the team that we put on the park today was good enough, and they held their own and looked like they have been playing together for a while. We are happy that we played all three goalkeepers across the games and still did not concede.”
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