Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis watches from the touchline during South Africa's WAFCON Group B opener against Tanzania in Casablanca. Photo: Backpagepix
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis believes her side still have what it takes to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup despite suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening Group B match at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
South Africa were second best for large periods in Casablanca on Monday as Tanzania claimed their first-ever WAFCON victory, leaving Banyana with no margin for error heading into Friday’s clash against Ivory Coast.
The defeat means Ellis’ side are already chasing the group leaders, with only the top four teams at the tournament securing qualification for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. While disappointed by both the result and performance, Ellis insists the focus has already shifted to the next assignment.
“I think everybody is disappointed with the result and the performance, but we have to look towards the next game because we are still in it.”
