Desiree Ellis made history when she qualified the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup in France in 2019.
The Cape Town-born former player has done it again.
This time the squad will be one of the African representatives at next year’s women’s world football showpiece in Australia and New Zealand – thanks to a 1-0 victory over Tunisia, courtesy of a Jermaine Seoposenwe first half strike in the quarterfinals.
Speaking to CAFonline.com after the match, an excited Ellis had this to say.
“I thought we started very well but then we stopped. We kept creating chances and as the game went on, the players felt pressure and we tried to calm them down. We made some team mistakes. We had so many chances that we could have just knocked in and we didn’t do that. They were so clear cut but at the end of the day, we showed a lot of character. But hey, we are going to the World Cup!”
Since the start of the tournament, the South Africans have been a marvel to watch, despite the missed chances they created in all the four matches played – making it four out of four wins.
They have also increased their fan base with several good luck messages directed to the team.
“The squad we selected was versatile. Each one fights for one another. The technical staff is fantastic. Credit must go to all of them,” added Ellis.
“This victory is for everyone back home. The situation back home is not good. There is a lot of loadshedding and some of them might not have seen the game so this victory is for 53 million people out there. We received so many messages wishing us well on social media and on WhatsApp and phone calls etc so this one is for everyone out there – the coaches and players that have come before.”
The victory over Tunisia also ensured that the 2018 finalists get closer to their securing their first WAFCON title.
“Now that we have qualified, the players will have no pressure because you know when you lose here, you have to go to the other route and you do not want to go to that route. Ultimately, we are now going to the World Cup. That pressure is now off their shoulders and now they can prepare for the next game,” concluded Ellis.
It is now four out of four in the competition for the 2018 finalists who have progressed to the semifinals of the continental tournament and are in contention for their first ever WAFCON title.
By Matlhomola Morake
