Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has lavished her defenders with praise as they downed their neighbours, Zambia. This occurred on Monday night in Morocco.
The South Africans are now through to the finals of the 2022 CAF African Women’s Cup of Nations as they will face the hosts on Saturday night.
Speaking to the media after the 1-0 win courtesy of a penalty strike by Linda Motlhalo, Ellis says her defenders were solid. She added by saying keeping a clean sheet was part of their well-executed game plan.
Together with Morocco, Zambia, and Nigeria, Banyana will represent the African continent at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup next year.
At the same time, SAFA president Danny Jordaan has dangled a carrot for the team, promising a staggering R9.2 million bonus should they go on to lift this year’s continental title.
“We were always in control at the back and the defence was magnificent. I said that if we keep a clean sheet, we will create opportunities,” said Ellis in her post match interview.
“We wanted to be more in control and stay compact in the back in the second half while also having more movement up front.
“Our two objectives were to qualify for the World Cup and get to the final. We know that many have been in this position and we want to go one better.
“It is a big celebration now for those that have been with us for two successive World Cups. The fans have also been magnificent to us on Madiba Day. It was a tight game and these games are normally tight games.”
The Copper Queens kept fighting to break the Banyana defence and dominated the opening half, but they eventually cracked in the dying stages of the match as they conceded a penalty.
Ellis has also paid tribute to their Southern African counterparts, saying they displayed professionalism and quality.
“Zambia showed true quality but we wanted it in the end. They tried to play the long ball behind us and we created chances. The victory is important as we are in the final,” added the coach.
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