Motlhalo on target as Glasgow City FC exit Scottish Women’s Cup

South Africa women’s national team winger Linda Motlhalo was heavily involved in a Scottish Gas Women’s Scottish Cup semi-final, but it all ended in vain on Saturday, 2 May 2026.

The Banyana Banyana star was on target, but her goal could not prevent Glasgow City FC from exiting the Scottish Women’s Cup after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Celtic FC after extra-time.

The 27-year-old levelled matters for the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) leaders at Hampden Park, where Saoirse Noonan had put Celtic in front via a header in the 27th minute to lead 1-0 at the break.

The equaliser for @GlasgowCityFC as Linda Motlhalo fires in a low, fizzing strike – taking us to extra time in this Semi-Final!#ScottishCup | @scottishgas pic.twitter.com/9LTwMLjnUS

— Scottish Gas Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) May 2, 2026

How Motlhalo scored during the Scottish Women’s Cup semifinal

Motlhalo volleyed the ball into the net via a crowd of white and green shirts to bring City FC level with six minutes remaining on the clock.

The equalising goal from the South African—her second of the season in all competitions—sent the Scottish Gas Women’s Scottish Cup game into extra-time.

Once again, it was Celtic FC who seized the initiative, scoring through Amy Gallacher barely two minutes into the extended phase. Shannon McGregor added the third goal for the visitors to seal the victory with Emily Gray’s late goal for City FC proving too little and too late.

Celtic FC will now meet either Rangers FC or Montrose FC, who were set to meet in the other semifinal on Sunday, 3 May 2026.

Why Banyana Banyana should be happy with Motlhalo

On a personal level, the South African was also on target against the same opponents in a SWPL match, which ended one-all on 29 April 2026.

The winger’s form should excite South Africa coach Desiree Ellis ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals slated for July in Morocco.

Banyana Banyana will begin their campaign in Group B comprising Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.