Desiree Ellis praises Banyana Banyana’s 4-0 Olympic qualifying win

Desiree Ellis says Banyana Banyana’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Madagascar has given South Africa an ideal start to their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifying campaign.

South Africa took control of their second-round CAF Women’s Olympic qualifying tie with a commanding first-leg win in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Ellis was particularly encouraged that her decision to test different combinations and alter the team’s formation produced a positive result, despite Madagascar defending deep for much of the match.

“Look, good results. I thought there were some really good moments, especially in the second half. You know, with changing the formation at the beginning of the game, a lot more combinations play, a lot more opening up because they sat deep. Overall, good goals scored, so yes, I am very happy,” Ellis told SABC Sport.

Ronnel Donnelly was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick to give Banyana Banyana a substantial advantage before Tuesday’s second leg.

The striker had been absent for a period and only returned shortly before the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Ellis believes her three-goal display will be important for Donnelly’s confidence, while suggesting she might have scored even more had she shown greater composure in front of goal.

“She has been out for a while and came back just before the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. I think it is a big confidence booster for her. It helps with confidence to score goals as a striker. She could have scored even more if she was a lot more composed, but we were happy for her and we took the hat-trick,” said Ellis.

Although South Africa have established a sizeable lead in the tie, Ellis does not want the return fixture to be judged solely by the number of goals scored.

Instead, she expects her team to concentrate on the quality of their build-up play, their movement into attacking positions and their ability to create and finish chances.

“Look, it is not about scoring – it is about playing well and the goals will come. It is about getting into the right areas, it is about solid combination play. It is about getting the right players in the box, creating and finishing chances. So, when you’re doing all the right things, it is obviously an opportunity to reach your goals,” she said.

The second leg will take place on Tuesday, with Banyana Banyana aiming to complete the tie and progress in the qualifying campaign.