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Sasol Banyana Banyana completed a double against Algeria as they won their second friendly international match 2-0 at a packed King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday.
Nthabiseng Majiya opened the scoring with a 58th minute strike – her second in two games – with second half substitute Shakira O’Malley adding the second four minutes from full time.
Banyana Banyana had made six changes to the team that started on Tuesday, bringing on Kaylin Swart, Sinegugu Zondi, Karabo Dhlamini, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado and Bonolo Mokoma for Andile Dlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Bambanani Mbane, Refiloe Jane and Hilda Magaia.
In the first game three days ago, South Africa defeated the North Africans 1-0 at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, near Durban.
Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis said this was a worthwhile exercise as the two countries were using the games as preparations for the upcoming 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“It is always good to win but the main thing was to test the players so that we could see how far we are. But 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 and still did not concede. I also feel our defence was solid. We also managed to score goals, so this was a worthwhile exercise,” said Dr Ellis.
Shakira Tatum O’Malley of South Africa celebrates goal with teammates during the 2026 International Womens Friendly match between South Africa and Algeria at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi on the 17 April 2026 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
“We would also like to applaud the fans of KwaZulu Natal for making our outing a memorable one. It was great to hear them sing their hearts out for Banyana Banyana and I just want to say this victory is for you.”
The clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium saw defender Karabo Dhlamini celebrate her 50th cap for Banyana Banyana.
South Africa will next be in action in June when they take on Japan in two international friendly matches as they continue with their preparations for the WAFCON.
The games are scheduled for 6 June at Nagai Ballgame Field, Osaka, and 9 June at J-Green Sakai, Osaka.
SOURCED FROM SAFA WEBSITE.