08 July 2022 – Her charges may have chalked up a comfortable victory against Burundi in their last outing but Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis believes there is still room for improvement ahead of the side’s final Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C match against Botswana on Sunday 10 July 2022.
The women’s senior national team coach voiced her disappointment with the performance against Burundi, but emphasised the importance of securing the three points
“I thought that we had enough on the field to get the result,but I feel we over-elaborated at times,” the coach said frankly. “Most shots we took went straight to the [Burundi] goalkeeper who I thought would get player of the match. We tried to change a bit and it looked better and we created a lot of opportunities. We conceded poorly once again and that’s something we have to work on.
“We said we needed three points to get us to the next round, and the three points are there. We are always looking for improved performances but it was not a good day in terms of that. But [at the end of the day] the result is important.”
SASOL’s Group Brand & sponsorships Senior Manager, Nozipho Mbatha, was excited after the team made it to the quarter-finals with a game to spare.
“A match with a high temperament like no other [on Thursday], [and] Banyana Banyana dominated the game. They showed the opposition their hunger to win the match and this tournament. Our players showed up and gave us absolute confidence in them. Our future in this tournament is bright and nothing is impossible at this rate,” said Mbatha.
Banyana face neighbours Botswana in the final Group C encounter on Sunday, 10 July 2022 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium at 9pm (10pm South African time).