Gabriela De Jesus Thomas Salgado of South Africa celebrates goal during the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Womens Championship 2025 match between South Africa and Angola at Seshego Stadium, in Polokwane on 21 February 2026 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Monday Feb 23, 2026. 13:00
Gabriela Moodlay-Salgado has described her return to international action as an “honour” after she scored in Banyana Banyana’s 2-0 win over Angola in the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.
The 28-year-old suffered a horrific injury in the closing stages of South Africa’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final loss to Nigeria in Morocco, breaking her leg upon landing from an aerial duel.
She made a triumphant return for Banyana, playing her first match for the national since her injury on Saturday, where she netted the opening goal in the 12th minute.
Speaking after the fixture, she described the moment as “incredible”.
“Yeah, no, it was just incredible, you know, the feeling of seeing the ball hit the back of the net. But credit goes to the team, it was a team goal, but just an honour to be back, starting, first goal, get back into rhythm, you know, but yeah, I’m very grateful and all glory to God as well,” said Moodlay-Salgado.
Speaking about her goal, she stated that the build-up was executed and unfolded how the team has been preparing and practicing.
“We have worked on our build-ups from the back and trusting each other. I think rotating the team and trying different combinations definitely helps us grow as a squad, also learning each other’s weaknesses and strengths.”
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis made nine changes to her starting XI from her side’s opening day victory over Malawi as she tinkers with combinations and squad selection ahead of the upcoming WAFCON which begins in March.
With a squad of 35 players for the COSAFA tournament, Moodlay-Salgado has stated there is a positive buzz within the camp.
“We are working hard, we’re giving our very best and just having this group, we’re a very energetic group, we’re willing to learn from each other, and I think that’s the most important thing in football, wanting to learn, and it can only take us further in our careers,” she said.
Having already secured their spot in the semi-finals, Banyana Banyana will play their final group game of the competition against Lesotho at the Seshego Stadium on Tuesday.
By Nic Gleeson