Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has praised her players for their fighting spirit despite South Africa’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday night.
The defeat at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat ended Banyana Banyana’s hopes of defending their continental crown, but South Africa’s bid to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil remains alive through the inter-confederation playoffs..
Morocco took control of the contest through goals from Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane Ait El Haj, while Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back for South Africa.
Banyana Banyana pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Morocco’s goalkeeper produced a crucial save to deny South Africa and force the African champions out of the tournament’s main route to World Cup qualification.
Desiree Ellis proud despite disappointment
Ellis admitted that the result was difficult to accept but insisted her players could hold their heads high after a performance in which she felt Banyana controlled large portions of the game.
“I can be very proud of the team, we knew how important this game was and I think everybody that stepped onto the field can be proud that they gave everything.”
South Africa had started strongly and controlled the opening 35 minutes before Morocco opened the scoring.
A second goal shortly after half-time made the task even more difficult, but Banyana Banyana responded and eventually found a way back into the contest through Kgatlana.
Ellis believes South Africa were particularly dangerous during the final stages.
“Their ‘keeper made a fantastic save towards the end which would have taken the game into extra time.”
The coach also congratulated Morocco on reaching the World Cup while making it clear that South Africa’s own qualification hopes have not disappeared.
World Cup dream still alive
Although the quarter-final defeat means Banyana Banyana have missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, they still have a route through the WAFCON playoffs.
South Africa will now face Nigeria in Casablanca on Thursday, 13 August at 22:00 (SA time).
The demanding schedule means Ellis and her technical team must quickly shift their attention towards recovery and preparation.
“We didn’t want to go that route, but it’s been thrown at us, the dice turned the other way and we reminded them that we need to get ready for that game.”
South Africa will travel to Casablanca as they attempt to keep their World Cup dream alive.
For Ellis, there is no time to dwell on the disappointment of losing to the hosts.
“We are just focusing on the next game but obviously we’ll have to recover really quickly and then prepare for that game.”
The defeat means Banyana Banyana’s road to Brazil has become considerably more difficult, but victory later this week in the playoff route will keep South Africa’s World Cup ambitions alive.