9 June 2019 – Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis is proud of her players despite surrendering a one goal lead to lose 3-1 to Spain in their opening Group B clash on Saturday, 8 June 2019.
The match took place at Stade Oceane in Le Havre, France.
South Africa next faces China PR on Thursday, 13 June – a fixture Ellis says is a must win as Banyana Banyana find themselves at the bottom of the table.
Forward Thembi Kgatlana had put the World Cup debutants in the lead in the 25thminute before the Europeans rallied back in the second half to score three goals – with the aid of two penalties – and win the game.
South Africa will be without the services of defender Nothando Vilakazi after she received two yellow cards, resulting in a red card.
Here is what Ellis had to say: