Banyana Banyana close in on COSAFA semis after win over Angola

Banyana Banyana have placed one foot firmly in the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship knockout stages following a convincing 2-0 victory over Angola at the Seshego Stadium outside Polokwane on Saturday.

Goals from Gabriela Salgado and Nonhlanhla Mthandi secured the three points, leaving South Africa at the summit of Group A.

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:

🇿🇦 South Africa 2 (Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado 12’ Nonhlanhla Mthandi 79’) 0 Angola 🇦🇴 #CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/V5yOka7IdH

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 21, 2026

Salgado Makes an Impactful Return For Banyana Banyana

Coach Dr Desiree Ellis signalled her squad’s depth by making nine changes to the starting lineup that previously defeated Malawi. Only Isabella Ludwig and Regina Mogolola retained their spots.

The gamble paid off early. In the 12th minute, Gabriela Salgado marked her first start since returning from a long-term injury by slotting home the opener, courtesy of an assist from Ludwig.

Despite the early setback, Angola’s defence dug in, frustrating the hosts for much of the middle period. Banyana struggled to penetrate the box until the final 20 minutes, when a slick exchange between Bonolo Mokoma and Sibongakonke Mzobe nearly doubled the lead, though Mzobe’s effort ultimately drifted wide.

The decisive blow came in the 79th minute. The setup saw Sibulele Holweni deliver a dangerous corner into the heart of the area.

The Finish. After an initial clearance by the Angolan defence, substitute Nonhlanhla Mthandi reacted quickest, pouncing on the rebound to fire home the winner.

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 🏆🇿🇦

Congratulations to Asanda Hadebe of South Africa#CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/TOQXwg1kIh

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 21, 2026

Group A Standings & Path to the Semis

With two wins from two matches and two clean sheets to boot, South Africa sits comfortably at the top of the table. Banyana Banyana currently lead Group A with six points and a +4 goal difference, putting them in a commanding position over Angola and Malawi.

Under the tournament’s format, only the three group winners and the single best runner-up advance to the semi-finals. Having secured maximum points so far in their opening two games, South Africa are now the heavy favourites to progress to the final four.