Banyana Banyana were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in the first leg of their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday night at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Kgalebane “Pana” Mohlakoana opened the scoring for South Africa before Ruth Kipoyi Monique equalised for the hosts just before halftime. Despite several second-half changes from coach Thinasonke Mbuli, Banyana couldn’t reclaim the lead and settled for a valuable away draw.
Mbuli said the team’s main goals were to avoid defeat and secure an away goal — both achieved — but expressed disappointment at the second-half display. She praised DR Congo’s quality, noting their players’ experience abroad as proof of Africa’s improving women’s football standards.
Banyana returned home early Thursday and will welcome key reinforcements — Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana and Sinoxolo Cesane — for the decisive second leg in Johannesburg on 28 October.