Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado and Nonhlanhla Mthandi Fire Banyana Banyana into COSAFA Semi-Finals
The unbeaten Sasol Banyana Banyana sealed a top-of-the-group position with their second consecutive 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship Group A win against Angola at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
Sasol Banyana Banyana have now secured back-to-back victories following a composed 2-nil win over Angola, booking their place in the semi-finals as Group A winners.
Goals from Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado in the first half and substitute Nonhlanhla Mthandi late in the second were enough to see Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ side through to the knockout stage with a perfect six points from two matches.
Dr Ellis made wholesale changes from the 2-0 opening win over Malawi, with only Regina Mogolola and Isabella Ludwig retained in the starting eleven. The match marked an important milestone for captain and keeper Dineo Magagula, who led the side with authority from the back, delivering several vital saves to keep Angola at bay.
South Africa made a bright start and broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. Ludwig drove towards the box and played in Moodaly-Salgado, who showed composure to round the Angolan goalkeeper and finish into an empty net. The goal marked a special moment for the JVW FC midfielder, who had not featured in an official international since being stretchered off during the WAFCON loss to Nigeria in July last year.
Angola were not without their moments, with Arminda Lopes and Cristina Makua both threatening on the break. Magagula was called upon to make a fine stop from a corner-kick before halftime, and again after the restart as Makua tested her with a header at the near post. Banyana, though, held firm.
The second goal arrived with 11 minutes remaining. A corner was earned and Mthandi, who had come off the bench, reacted quickest to the rebound to settle the contest and seal a clean sheet.
Sbongakonke Mzobe had earlier come close to doubling the lead, meeting a delivery inside the box, but sent her effort over the crossbar.
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The result means South Africa are confirmed semi-finalists as Group A winners, ahead of their final group fixture against Lesotho on Tuesday. In the other Group A match on Saturday, Malawi thrashed Lesotho 8-1, moving level on three points with Angola. The two sides meet on Tuesday for the right to join South Africa in the last four as either group runners-up or best runner-up.
Banyana Banyana remain on track as they use the regional tournament to sharpen their preparations for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 in Morocco, which kicks off on 17 March.
South Africa’s COSAFA Women’s Championship Group A Fixtures and Results, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo
Wed 18 February: Banyana Banyana 2-0 Kenya
Sat 20 February: Banyana Banyana 2-0 Angola
Tue 24 February: Banyana Banyana vs Lesotho
Sasol Banyana Banyana Starting XI
1. Dineo Magagula (GK) (C)
2. Asanda Hadebe
3. Unathi Simayile
4. Shakira O’Malley
5. Sibahle Maneli
6. Regina Mogolola
7. Isabella Ludwig
8. Sbongakonke Mzobe
9. Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado
10. Bongiwe Thusi
11. Bonolo Mokoma
Substitutes
Casey Gordon (GK)
Gugu Dhlamini
Nthabiseng Majiya
Nonhlanhla Mthandi
Thorisho Mphelo
Zoe October
Fiona Namanyama
Sibulele Holweni
Amogelang Maponya
Khutso Pila
Lonathemba Mhlongo
Sinegugu Zondi
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Nonhlanhla Mthandi doubled South Africa’s lead and placed Banyana Banyana’s second COSAFA Women’s Champsionship 2025 win beyond doubt when she netted in the 78th minute, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Sturday, 20 February, 2026. All Photos: COSAFA
Photo 2 Caption: Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado opened scoring early in the first half to place the pressure on Angola in Banyana Banyana’s second COSAFA 2025 fixture.
Crédito: Link de origem