Desiree Ellis Praises Banyana’s Resilient Defence After Strong WAFCON Start
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has hailed her team’s defensive discipline following their 2-0 triumph over Ghana. This victory happened in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C opener in Oujda, Morocco. The reigning champions began their title defence on a positive note on Monday night. A controlled first-half performance set the tone for the result.
Banyana Banyana’s Fast Start Sets the Tone
Ellis’s side struck twice in quick succession before the half-hour mark. Midfielder Linda Motlhalo converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed a foul inside the box. Just six minutes later, Jermaine Seoposenwe capitalised on a defensive lapse. She slotted home from close range, giving Banyana a solid cushion.
However, Ellis admitted the team took time to settle into the contest. Ghana applied early pressure, and the intense Moroccan heat proved a major challenge in the opening exchanges.
Weather and Pressure a Factor Early On
“It was incredibly hot, both in terms of the climate and the tempo of the game,” Ellis said. “Ghana came at us hard in the opening 15 minutes and pinned us back. We struggled to build from the back initially. But once we adjusted tactically, we were able to get a better grip on the match.”
Once Banyana found their rhythm, they began dominating possession. They showcased the composed passing and structure that have become hallmarks under Ellis’s leadership.
Tactical Awareness Earns Clean Sheet
Despite Ghana’s improved second-half showing, including two shots that rattled the crossbar, Banyana’s backline held firm. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was outstanding between the sticks. She pulled off several critical saves to deny the Black Queens any way back into the game.
“Clean sheets are what we strive for because we know we can always create chances,” Ellis noted. “Andile made some crucial interventions. The entire backline, especially with how they handled those long diagonal balls from the left, showed great awareness and composure.”
Bambanani Mbane, who anchored the defence with authority, was named Player of the Match. Yet Ellis was quick to emphasise the collective defensive effort across all departments.
Midfield Control and Timely Goals Key
While praising her defenders, Ellis also credited the midfield. She singled out Linda Motlhalo for her role in controlling the tempo when it mattered most. “Linda was brilliant in the middle; she gave us control when we needed it,” said Ellis. “And that second goal really came at the perfect time, just when Ghana looked like they were starting to gain confidence.”
Banyana did have more chances to stretch their lead but couldn’t convert. Still, Ellis remained satisfied with the outcome. She stressed that tournament football is often about managing key moments, especially in difficult weather conditions.
Cooling Heads in Heated Conditions
“The cooling breaks definitely helped. The heat was intense, but our players remained focused and stuck to the game plan,” she said. “What impressed me most was the team’s discipline. Defensively, we were organised and committed.”
With the win, Banyana top their group and take a big step toward progressing to the knockout rounds. Ellis, however, is already looking ahead to the next challenge. She is aware that consistency and defensive solidity will be vital in their pursuit of back-to-back WAFCON titles.
Strong Foundations for Title Defence
Banyana’s defensive display was more than just a tactical victory; it laid a strong foundation for what they hope will be another successful tournament. With the experience of players like Mbane and Dlamini at the back and the composure of Motlhalo in midfield, Ellis’s team has once again shown they can thrive under pressure.
As the tournament progresses, their ability to absorb pressure and strike decisively may well be the formula that keeps their WAFCON crown firmly in place.
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