The South African women’s national football team wrapped up a friendly campaign with a confident 2-1 victory over Malawi at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Coach Desiree Ellis’s charges sealed a clean sweep with a 5-1 aggregate win across both legs following their commanding 3-0 victory in the first encounter on 5 April at UJ Soweto Campus.
— FA Malawi (@FaMalawi) April 5, 2025
Banyana Banyana maintained their momentum in the return fixture, showcasing discipline at the back and sharpness in attack when they came from a goal down in the second half to brush aside the visitors.
The goals came at crucial moments, ensuring Malawi had little room to mount a comeback, thanks to Hildah Magaia and Amogelang Motau.
And that is how Champions bounce back!#SasolinSport#LiveTheImpossible#BanyanaBanyana pic.twitter.com/UJueEPCJJF
— Sasol in Sport (@SasolinSport) April 8, 2025
The two friendlies brought a legendary chapter in South African football to a storybook close as veteran defender Noko Matlou marked her final appearance for Banyana after serving the national team for nearly two decades.
In front of an emotional home crowd, the 39-year-old icon delivered a fitting finale to her illustrious career.
Matlou, who made her debut in 2006 and was crowned African Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2008, leaves behind a legacy of passion, consistency and trailblazing leadership.
From striker to centre-back, her versatility and commitment have made her a cornerstone of South African women’s football for nearly two decades.
“It’s been an incredible journey and I very happy,” Matlou said after the first leg match, visibly emotional.
“Going forward I wish the team the best of luck in WAFCON and Fifa World Cup qualifiers.”
“I am closing the curtain on my international career; I am happy with my game even though it was not easy. I had my fair share of highs and lows, so I am happy with my game.”
Greatness!
— Sasol in Sport (@SasolinSport) April 5, 2025
A legend of the African game, streets will never forget Noko Matlou.#SasolinSport #LiveTheImpossible#BanyanaBanyana pic.twitter.com/OAC2W3bTRN
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who made her senior debut at the age of 15, played her 150th and final match for the national team.
The 37-year-old maestro has represented Banyana in both the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics and she is the third most capped player for the national team.
Congratulations "Mbuzi" 🐐
— Sasol in Sport (@SasolinSport) April 8, 2025
What a milestone...from winning the first ever #SasolLeague title to 150 International Caps.#SasolinSport#LiveTheImpossible#BanyanaBanyana pic.twitter.com/QWOlMmxbkH
While the spotlight was on the duo, the match also served as a valuable test for the team ahead of upcoming continental qualifiers.
But in these special events, all eyes were rightly on the departing legends who wrote the final line of their football stories with the same power and grace that defined their entire careers.
