Ellis praises Banyana Banyana WAFCON comeback despite Tanzania stalemate

Photo Credit - CAF Women’s Football

South Africa national women’s team head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has praised Banyana Banyana for their comeback against Tanzania which helped secure a dramatic 1-1 draw and keep alive their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualification hopes.

Twiga Stars stunned Banyana in the 24th minute when Opah Clement rose highest to head home from close range following a well-delivered set piece by Ester Maseke. The early goal gave Tanzania a crucial edge, and they showed tremendous resilience to defend their lead for much of the first half.

However, Ellis made key halftime changes, bringing on star forward, Hildah Magaia and Lebohang Ramalepe, and the substitutions paid off in the 70th minute when a well-worked corner found Ramalepe, whose precise cross was turned into the net by Bambanani Mbane.

“We said before the match that no game is easy, we saw how Nigeria scored in the last minute, that’s how difficult the games are going to be, but you have to take your chances. We felt if we got the three points we would go through to the next round already, but it was not to be, there is still some more work to be done,” said Ellis as quoted by SAFA Media.

“There is no easy team anymore, they hadn’t picked up any points, we knew they needed to win at all costs and they came with a plan, made us play like a team under pressure when we were not under pressure, playing into their hands at times with the long ball, but still there is all to play for in the group.”

Ellis added: “We had a good enough team to get a result, they scored early, and we had a chance to score before they could – we didn’t put it away, it is the nature of the game.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted but we are still in it. I thought the comeback was good, we could have won it as we had a couple of chances, but that’s how the game goes. This team has shown they have the grit, they have the courage and the resilience to fight back and get the result that we deserve.”

The result meant South Africa and Mali are tied on four points each, while Tanzania and Ghana remained locked on a single point apiece.