UMLAZI, SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s senior women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, continued their impressive run of form on Friday, April 17, 2026, with a clinical 2-0 victory over Algeria at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
This victory sealed a flawless sweep of the two-match international friendly series, following their hard-fought 1-0 win earlier in the week. The back-to-back triumphs provide a massive confidence boost for Coach Desiree Ellis and her squad as they turn their focus to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
Match Breakdown: Impactful Substitutions and Tactical Mastery
The match saw a cagey first half with neither team able to break the deadlock. However, Banyana Banyana emerged with renewed intensity after the break, taking control of the match. The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Nthabiseng Majiya found the back of the net. Majiya, who had scored the only goal in Tuesday’s encounter, proved to be a consistent thorn in Algeria’s defense.
Coach Ellis also utilized this fixture to experiment with her squad’s depth, making six changes to the starting XI. This rotation saw Kaylin Swart return to the starting lineup between the posts, alongside a first-ever start for Gabriela Salgado.
The match also marked a historic milestone for Karabo Dhlamini, who earned her 50th cap for the national team, further solidifying her role as a veteran presence in the backline.
The match was officially sealed in the 86th minute when Shikira O’Malley scored her debut goal for the senior team. Her late strike sparked jubilant celebrations across the stadium, capping off a dominant performance and confirming South Africa’s supremacy over their North African counterparts.
Road to WAFCON 2026
This series sweep is a critical step in preparations for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off in Morocco this July.
Banyana Banyana have been drawn into a competitive Group B, where they will face:
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Burkina Faso
- Tanzania
With the tactical fluidity displayed in these friendlies and the emergence of promising goal-scoring talent like Majiya and O’Malley, South Africa is well-positioned to defend their continental title and build on their strong legacy.
Key Match Statistics:
- Score: South Africa 2-0 Algeria
- Scorers: Nthabiseng Majiya (58′), Shikira O’Malley (86′)
- Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium
- Series Result: South Africa 2-0 (Series Win), Algeria 0-2 (Series Loss)
