Ellis backs Banyana Banyana response after shock Wafcon defeat to Tanzania

Desiree Ellis insists Banyana Banyana can still revive their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) campaign and secure World Cup qualification despite a surprise 2-1 defeat by Tanzania in their Group B opener in Casablanca.

South Africa were below their usual standards at Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday as Tanzania claimed their first-ever Wafcon victory to throw Group B wide open.

Ellis’ side now face a crucial second group match against Ivory Coast at the same venue on Friday (19:00 SA time), knowing anything less than victory would seriously damage their hopes of reaching the semi-finals and, with it, next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

“I think everybody is disappointed with the result and the performance, but we have to look towards the next game because we are still in it,” said Ellis.

“We still want to qualify for the World Cup and we know that the next game is a must-win.

“Obviously, we had said how important this game [against Tanzania] was. Now we are chasing in the group, so it’s up to us to raise our standards and show who we really are.”

Must-win test against in-form Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast head into Friday’s clash on top of Group B after a commanding 4-1 win over Burkina Faso in their opener late on Monday.

Ellis expects another demanding contest, particularly in the physical battles, against a side she describes as typical of powerful West African opponents.

“Ivory Coast is going to be a big challenge again … another physical team from West Africa,” the Banyana coach said.

With only four places at the World Cup available via this tournament – reserved for the Wafcon semi-finalists – South Africa’s margin for error has effectively disappeared after just one game.

Tanzania strike late to stun South Africa

Tanzania, ranked 122nd in the world and 18th in Africa, shocked Banyana with a disciplined and opportunistic display.

They went ahead in the 37th minute when Diana Msewa robbed Robyn Moodaly in midfield before surging forward and finishing past onrushing goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

South Africa responded just before the interval, drawing level when Bambanani Mbane rose to head home from a corner in the closing moments of the first half.

But Tanzania regained the lead three minutes from time. Hasnath Ubamba collected the ball from a throw-in and beat Dlamini at her near post in the 87th minute to secure a historic win for the Twiga Stars.

Ellis sees positives but calls for defensive improvement

Despite the setback, Ellis highlighted aspects of the performance she believes can be built on ahead of the Ivory Coast encounter.

“The positives we can take out of the Tanzania game are that we created opportunities,” she said.

“I thought in the second half we were better on the ball, but we know how good we can be on the ball. Defensively, there’re some screws we can still tighten there because we could have done better in both goals we conceded.”

Ellis and her players now have a short turnaround to reset mentally and tactically, with their Wafcon and World Cup ambitions resting heavily on how they respond on Friday in Casablanca.