Banyana Banyana Face Madagascar in Olympic Qualifier in Bloemfontein

South Africa hosts Madagascar in the second round of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, playing the opening leg behind closed doors at Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium on Friday, October 9, 2026, before welcoming fans back for the return fixture four days later.

Bloemfontein Opener Set Behind Closed Doors After Malagasy Request

At the specific request of the visiting delegation, the South African Football Association confirmed that no spectators will be allowed inside the venue for the Friday afternoon kickoff. Banyana Banyana’s bid for a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games begins under unusual conditions at the Free State Stadium. Although the fixture is staged in South Africa, Madagascar serves as the designated home team for the opening match because the island nation lacks an internationally recognized stadium suitable for the qualifier.

South Africa vs Madagascar | Match Highlights | Olympic qualifiers

The closed-door arrangement means neither local supporters nor travelling fans can attend the 15h00 encounter. However, the restrictions apply solely to the first leg.

SAFA confirmed that the return fixture takes place on Tuesday at the same Bloemfontein venue.

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Desiree Ellis Warns Against Complacency

The two nations previously met in 2018 and 2019, but head coach Desiree Ellis insists past results and rankings carry zero weight on the pitch.

“We are a team that never underestimates any opponent. The rankings don’t mean anything. It’s 11 versus 11, and if you don’t take the game seriously, before you know it, you’re chasing the game.”

Desiree Ellis, head coach

South Africa received a bye through the first round of the five-stage qualifying tournament, while Madagascar advanced by defeating South Sudan 2-1 on aggregate. From the first whistle, the squad aims to establish dominance and take the match away from their opponents entirely.

Banyana Banyana Face Madagascar in Olympic Qualifier in Bloemfontein — Photo: EWN

Banyana Banyana Seek Los Angeles Olympics Berth

After missing both the Tokyo and Paris tournaments, the squad is determined to secure one of only two African berths available for the 16-team women’s tournament in Los Angeles. Banyana Banyana last competed at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

“We haven’t qualified for the last two Olympic Games. We got knocked out in the first round in 2019, and we reached the final round against Nigeria and lost narrowly. It’s really important that we start getting to the Olympics. We qualified back-to-back in the past, and then you don’t qualify for two…the younger players that come in will also gain a lot of experience through that. So, it’s really important that we get off on a good start on Friday.”

Desiree Ellis, head coach

South Africa kept their World Cup qualification hopes alive following a quarter-final exit at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by securing a 2-1 play-in win over Nigeria, where Thembi Kgatlana netted four goals across the tournament. The technical team is utilizing the two-legged tie as preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs scheduled for November.

Desiree Ellis Reacts to Banyana Banyana’s 4-0 Win Over Madagascar | 2028 Olympic Qualifier ⚽🇿🇦

Ellis Blends Veterans with Overseas Stars

The squad will be without experienced defender Bambanani Mbane, who returned home to continue her rehabilitation from injury. Ellis has assembled a 24-player roster blending seasoned veterans with fresh talent.

Overseas-based standouts including Thembi Kgatlana from Mexico, Linda Motlhalo from Scotland, Bongeka Gamede from Denmark, and Hildah Magaia from Saudi Arabia have already joined the camp in Bloemfontein alongside Mexico-based Amogelang Motau. Siyamthanda Qashani has earned a call-up following strong performances for TUT.

Interview with Isabella Ludwig | Madagascar vs South Africa | Olympic Qualifier | Banyana Banyana

Tickets for the return match on Tuesday are priced at R50 for adults and R20 for children under 12, with kickoff set for 18h00 at the Free State Stadium.