CAPE TOWN – Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis remains optimistic despite their 1-1 draw against Tanzania in Friday’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
A 70th-minute equaliser from defender Bambanani Mbane helped South Africa secure a point in their second Group C encounter at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.
Ellis believes her side is still very much in contention, having topped the group with four points after two matches.
“They scored early, but we had a chance before they scored – we had a better chance and we didn’t put it away and that is the nature of the game,” said Ellis.
“If we had won the game, I suppose the question would have been different.
“We would not have spoken about the four changes, but that’s what it is, you know.
“We didn’t get the result that we wanted, but we’re still in it. We haven’t lost and I thought the comeback was good.”
Ellis praised her team despite only securing a point, saying that a lot could have happened during the match.
“We could have also have won it, we had a couple of really good chances, but that’s how the game sometimes goes,” she said.
“But this team has shown that they have the grit, they have the courage and they have the resilience.”
Ellis’s next challenge is a crucial clash against Mali on Monday, who sit second in the group with the same number of points as South Africa.
Image: @Banyana_Banyana/ Twitter.
