Ellis Hailed Her Team For Exceptional Performance
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis lauded her team after they defeated a resolute Senegal in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinals.
This victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final clash against their long-standing rivals, the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
South Africa triumphed over the Lionesses of Teranga with a 4-1 penalty shootout win after neither side could break the deadlock during extra time at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Saturday.
Ellis made strategic substitutions in the second half, bringing on Amogelang Motau, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, and Bongeka Gamede for Lebohang Ramalepe, Sibulele Holweni, and Linda Motlhalo. Notably, Gamede was making her first appearance in the tournament.
“I said the game was not going to be easy, I said it was going to be a difficult game because of the group they were in and how they got out – and we didn’t expect anything less,” she said.
“The first 15 minutes we showed a bit of nerves, trying to get into the game but once we got into the game, we nullified the threat, their two tall strikers.
“We dealt very well with their long ball, but sometimes we gave the ball away too cheaply. Senegal has improved from the last time we played them; the coach has done a fantastic job.”
Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made two great saves in the penalty shootout, while Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado and Bambanani Mbane ensured that South Africa stayed in the tournament to give the defending champions a massive 4-1 win.
“We have been practicing penalties, and we knew who our kickers were going to be and that’s why we made the changes we made,” added Ellis.
“We always knew that Andile can save one or two – she had done it before. This was our first penalty shoot victory in the WAFCON – we lost it in 2006 and in 2018 in the final.
“I don’t have enough words to describe this team – the resilience, the courage, the never-say-die attitude, the willingness to fight for each other. No matter what they threw at us we were able to withstand that.”
South Africa and Nigeria will meet in the last four on Tuesday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
“We are not thinking about Nigeria right now, we will think about the next match on Monday. Let’s celebrate what we have done.”
On Sunday, Banyana Banyana head to Casablanca from Oujda, the place they have called home over the last 16 days where they played all their four matches in the tournament. In the other semi-final, hosts Morocco will face Ghana.
