The DR Congo women’s national team have a mammoth task of beating African champions South Africa away in Johannesburg to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics for the first time.
The Leopards Dames played out to a 1-1 draw against the continental heavyweights, Banyana Banyana, in the Second Round first leg encounter played at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium last Wednesday.
Turkish-based attacker Grâce Mfwamba of Trabzonspor put the Leopard Dames in the lead after 40 minutes played as she expertly controlled a cross by Naomie Kaba-Kaba before blasting her effort into the back of the net.
Marcello Kadiamba’s side went into the break with their noses in front thanks to Mfwamba’s beautiful strike.
However, star forward and captain Thembi Kgatlana drew the Banyana Banyana back on level terms with just three minutes after the restart.
Kgatlana’s away goal proved crucial for the South Africans and finished the match happier of the two sides as they hold the narrow advantage heading into the second leg.
Leopards Dames need to beat South Africa in the second leg encounter to be played on Sunday at the Orlando Stadium but a draw with more than one goal could also be sufficient for the Congolese ladies.
The winner of the tie will progress to the Third Round of the CAF qualification tournament for the Olympics and will meet either Tanzania or Botswana.
