South Africa’s opening 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifying match against Madagascar will be played without spectators on Friday, 9 October 2026.
The decision means football supporters will not be permitted inside the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein for the first-leg encounter, which is scheduled to begin at 15:00.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that the decision followed a request from Madagascar.
Madagascar Listed as the Home Team
Although the match will take place in South Africa, Madagascar are officially designated as the home side for the first leg.
According to SAFA, it was in that capacity that Madagascar requested the fixture be played behind closed doors.
The South African governing body subsequently informed supporters that no spectators would be allowed into the stadium for Friday’s match.
Supporters Can Attend the Return Leg
Fans in the Free State will not have to wait long to watch Banyana Banyana in action.
The second leg will also be played at the Free State Stadium, but supporters will be permitted to attend the match.
The return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October, with kick-off set for 18:00.
The arrangement gives local supporters an opportunity to see Desiree Ellis’ team in person despite the first encounter being closed to the public.
SAFA Confirms the Match Arrangements
SAFA issued a statement on Wednesday explaining the circumstances surrounding the unusual fixture arrangement.
The association said the decision followed a request from Madagascar, who are considered the hosts for the opening Olympic qualifying match despite the game being staged in Bloemfontein.
SAFA also confirmed that spectators would be allowed to attend the second leg at the same stadium.
Banyana Begin Preparations in Bloemfontein
Banyana Banyana have already started preparing for the two-match qualifying tie.
The team held its first training session on Tuesday morning at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium as preparations continued for the opening encounter.
The squad will now focus on the first leg before turning its attention to the return match four days later.
Two Matches Will Decide the Tie
The back-to-back fixtures will determine which side progresses in the Olympic qualifying campaign.
The first meeting between Madagascar and South Africa will take place behind closed doors on Friday afternoon, while the second encounter will provide an opportunity for supporters to attend.
For Banyana Banyana, the immediate objective will be to secure a positive result in the opening match before returning to the Free State Stadium for the decisive second leg on 13 October.
