Desiree Ellis hails Banyana Banyana's historical victory against Japan

Desiree Ellis has hailed Banyana Banyana’s historic 1-0 away win over Japan — the first time a senior African women’s side has ever beaten a top-ten nation. Linda Mothlalo scored the only goal from captain Refiloe Jane’s corner on Jane’s 150th cap. The victory, which followed a 5-0 defeat in the weekend’s first leg, saw Ellis make three changes to her starting line-up. Despite Japan’s significant reshuffle (retaining only Seiki Kiko), Banyana defended resolutely, kept a clean sheet, and executed a game plan Ellis credited to her analysts and technical team. With WAFCON 2026 in Morocco looming (25 July – 16 August), where Banyana will face Ghana, Mali and Tanzania in Group C, Ellis says the result will serve as a springboard — not an end point — as they aim to become an even better version of themselves.

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