Away goal relief, but Mbuli rues Banyana’s second-half slump in DR Congo

Banyana Banyana assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli expressed disappointment with her team’s second-half performance, despite securing a vital 1-1 draw and an away goal against DR Congo in the first leg of their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier on Wednesday night.

The South African senior women’s national team struck first at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, with Kgalebane Mohlakoana putting the visitors ahead. However, the lead was short-lived, as the hosts equalised through Ruth Kipoyi Monique just before the halftime whistle.

“We had two goals coming here. One was to get the result and make sure we did not lose the match, and the other was to get an away goal, or two if possible,” Mbuli stated after the match. “What’s more important was to get the result, which is a draw, and most importantly, to score an away goal.”

It finishes with the two teams level. Network was a challenge, but we move on. Banyana Banyana and DR Congo will meet again in the second leg to conclude this WAFCON qualifier in Johannesburg next week.#LiveTheImpossible @flysaa @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/QWSLiE4cNO

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 22, 2025

Mbuli ‘Disappointed’ With Performance Despite Crucial Banyana Away Goal

Mbuli was critical of the team’s tactical retreat after the break, noting the mounting pressure from the opposition.

“I’m a bit disappointed in our second-half performance because I think we allowed them to attack us more, so we played under a bit of pressure,” she admitted.

Following the interval, Mbuli introduced a triple substitution in an attempt to change the flow, bringing on Nthabiseng Majiya for Mohlakoana, Linda Motlhalo for Lebogang Ramalepe, and Nonhlanhla Mthandi for Noxolo Cesane. The visitors pressed for a winner but ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils.

The coach was quick to praise the quality of the opposition, acknowledging the overall rise in African women’s football standards.

“The DRC has three international players, one of them starting in the Women’s Champions League for PSG. This tells you that the team has good players, and it was never going to be easy for us,” Mbuli explained. “The game in Africa has improved because so many players are now playing abroad, and that makes the game more tactical and competitive.”

The squad immediately travelled back to South Africa and landed in Johannesburg this morning. They will be significantly reinforced by the arrival of star players Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, and Sinoxolo Cesane ahead of the decisive second leg in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.

The winner of the two-legged tie will secure a place at the WAFCON tournament.