1st leg:South Africa Dismantles Ethiopia In Olympic Qualifier

A hat-trick by Noko Matlou left Banyana Banyana one match away from qualifying for next year's London Olympics after they beat Ethiopia 3-0 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa's sportswomen of the year Matlou scored two goals in the first half and her third in the dying minutes of the game.

"We knew they were a bit slow at the back so it was important for us to capitalise on their mistakes," said Matlou.

"We missed a lot of opportunities but that's all part of the game."

The South African women made the most of their home advantage and were only really threatened in the second half when the Ethiopians saw their best chance go a fraction wide of the post.

The return-leg fixutre will be played in Ethiopia on September 11.

"We are not through yet and it's still going to be tough in Ethiopia," said Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza.

"But it's very important to us that we didn't concede a goal."

click here to watch game highlights