Kgatlana's sweet touch: Banyana's Olympic hopes sparkle in Congo rescue
Thembi Kgatlana's second-half goal secured a 1-1 draw for Banyana Banyana against DR Congo in the Olympic qualifiers.
South Africa, still reeling from a somewhat disappointing performance at the Cosafa Women's Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the group stages, found themselves trailing in the first half after a spectacular goal by Grace Mfwamba Balongo. With the first leg of the second round done and dusted, there are potentially seven matches before they receive their golden ticket for the Olympics.
Banyana showed their intent with how they would approach the match, and a long-range ball from goalkeeper Kaylin Swart skied over several players and found the feet of Kgatlana. Without any hesitation, Kgatlana found her target and fired with a vicious strike, which floated inches over the bar. There was a chance for Banyana's much-loved Hildah"Breadwinner" Magaia's to snatch the lead through an 18-yard free-kick, but that was saved with ease before Banyana's defence leaked again, and this time, Swart could not do anything. Naomie Kabakaba floated a cross over towards Grace and the striker brushed aside her marker before slotting a shot into the roof of the net to give Congo the lead.
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