South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis has admitted her team could have been in trouble had Ghana's Black Queens capitalised early in their Group C clash at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Banyana Banyana ran out 2-0 winners in their opening match at Stade Honneur, thanks to first-half goals that gave the defending champions the perfect start to their title defence.
However, Ellis believes the game could have taken a different turn in the opening stages. "The first 15 minutes could have changed the game if we had conceded," Ellis said. "But we stuck in and around, took control, and got the results that we wanted." The South African coach also had praise for the Black Queens, describing them as a strong opponent that tested her side's resilience. "Take nothing away from Ghana, they are still a quality side," she added.
South Africa now turn their attention to their second group game against Tanzania on Friday, July 11, as they aim to seal qualification to the knockout stage.
