Ellis hails Banyana’s defensive discipline in Wafcon opener

Coach Desiree Ellis was pleased with Banyana Banyana’s solid defensive organisation in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) opener, saying it made the difference in their 2-0 win.

Banyana started their Wafcon title defence on a high on Monday night, beating Ghana at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco. Both goals came in the first half within six minutes — Linda Motlhalo converted a penalty before Jermaine Seoposenwe pounced from close range.

Ellis admitted, however, that her side did not begin well, with the Black Queens and the searing Moroccan heat denying them any early rhythm.

“It was definitely hot out there — not only the weather, but on the pitch as well,” said Ellis during her post-match press conference.

“They started well and had us under pressure in the first 15 minutes. We couldn’t get out of our build-up. But we changed things a bit and then got out. We started getting on the ball a lot more, because that’s our strength.”

Banyana were awarded the penalty — which Motlhalo converted — after the referee consulted the VAR monitor.

“I haven’t seen the penalty, though I know the foul was inside the box,” Ellis said. “Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn’t.”

She added: “I think the second goal came at the right time. We could have finished it off with a third one — they almost got back into the game. We had a couple of chances.”

Ghana began the second half with real purpose and were unlucky not to score, twice striking the crossbar. Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was also alert, making several brave saves to preserve her clean sheet.

Defender Bambanani Mbane was named Player of the Match, though Ellis was full of praise for her entire defensive unit.

“If you look at the game overall, I think it was even-stevens, because Andile made some great saves as well,” said Ellis.

“I thought we handled the long balls very well, because we knew they’d come from the left-hand side. In midfield, I thought Linda [Motlhalo] controlled that part very well.

“Defensively, we were really sound — and we always know we’re going to create chances. We always say: ‘If we keep clean sheets, we’re going to win the game.’ Our whole team played very well defensively. But it was extremely hot out there, so I think the cooling breaks were welcome.”