CAPE TOWN – Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis praised South Africa’s resilience despite their semi-final defeat to Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday.
The WAFCON defending champions suffered a 2-1 loss to the nine time Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Champions at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Ellis says the game could have turned out differently had they converted their chances.
“I think taking our chances, we had quite a few as well – Jermaine [Seoposenwe] in on goal, Hildah [Magaia] in on goal. Noxolo [Cesane] just before they even scored the second goal,” said Ellis.
“Not getting enough on the line, I thought we didn’t look like a team that went 120. We went toe to toe, and we gave as good as they gave.
“But unfortunately, they got the two goals, and that’s what it’s about. If you score more than the other team, you get the two goals.”
Ellis says her team struggled on the pitch following striker Gabriela Salgado’s traumatic injury.
Salgado was stretchered off in the 83rd minute following a traumatic incident, just minutes before Nigeria took the lead through Michelle Alozie in stoppage time.
“I’m really proud of this team. I think after that injury, I don’t know what it is yet, but after that injury, I think it took us a while to get going again,” she said.
“I think maybe that’s the reason why we conceded at the time we conceded.”
“But big ups to Nigeria, they also kept going, and good luck to them.”
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