Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, was satisfied with the performance of her charges after their narrow 1-0 victory over neighbours Botswana.
This was in the final group stages match in the 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Morocco.
The win ensure South Africa make it three out of three in the competition as they continue their quest for lifting the continental trophy for the first time.
Second half substitute Nthabiseng Majiya scored her maiden international goal in only her second appearance for her country.
“We wanted to stay ahead. In the first half it was indeed a bit difficult. We missed chances to score and I was forced to make some changes due to injuries then we started to have a little more control of the ball and after the goal, I could see the joy on the faces of my players and I am obviously happy with the result and the performance,” said Ellis after the match.
The victory over Botswana was a welcome relief for South Africa who lost the WAFCON debutants in the qualifiers of the 2020 Olympic Games.
“All the teams at the WAFCON deserve to be here. They have not qualified by chance. They have prepared for this tournament well so you have to know how to adapt and change the strategy according to the match and that is what we tried to do during this game against Botswana. We controlled everything during this match. We knew they were going to play on the counter and we were able to keep control until we found the solution,” added Ellis.
Banyana Banyana scored only in the 80th minute of the game but Ellis is not bothered.
“Sometimes you want to put on a good performance and play in a fun way, as you know. We do it as South Africa but sometimes, it does not happen. Sometimes, you have to be patient and try several times before you can find the solution and score. This match proved the group’s state of mind, its character and its beauty,” said the former Banyana Banyana player.
South Africa next face Tunisia in the quarterfinals for a direct place into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“If you noticed, I made five changes to make sure that all the players in the team had playing time. We wanted to make sure we had the three points to stay on top of the group but also to have fresh legs for the next round. We will celebrate this victory today but we will prepare well for the next game. We know that there are no second chances in the second round so we have to be ready,” concluded the two-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year.
Banyana Banyana and Tunisia clash on Thursday, July 14 at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Kickoff is at 22h00 South African time (21h00 in Morocco).
By Matlhomola Morake
