Banyana Banyana Coach Desiree Ellis Reflects on South Africa’s Numerous Missed Chances Against Burundi

Banyana Banyana Coach Desiree Ellis Reflects on South Africa’s Numerous Missed Chances Against Burundi

Byron Pillay
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:06 PM
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  • Desiree Ellis commented on her side's performance against Burundi and how they did not underestimate their opponents
  • Banyana Banyana had a host of chances to kill the game off against Burundi but failed to capitalise on them
  • South Africa qualified for the quarter-finals of the tournament with a victory against debutants Burundi

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis does not believe that her side underestimated Burundi in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations game.

The two sides met in the Group C encounter, a game in which Banyana came out on top.

Banyana Banyana, Coach, Desiree Ellis, Reflects, South Africa, Numerous, Missed Chances, Burundi, Women's Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, Botswana, Nigeria
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has commented on her side over-complicating things against debutants Burundi in their Women's Africa Cup of Nations encounter. Image: @SABC_Sport
Source: Twitter

The South Africans ran out 3-1 winners against Burundi, thanks to goals from Thembi Kgatlana, Amogelang Motau and Linda Motlhalo, Sowetan LIVE reported.

Banyana only managed to score three goals, but the stats painted a very different picture. South Africa had 28 shots, with 16 of those on target and over 450 passes. They also enjoyed 67% possession.

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Ellis has been reflecting on the performance, and while she confirmed that they did not underestimate Burundi, she admitted that at times, they tried to do too much, Sport24 reported.

"I think that we over-elaborated at times, and most of the shots that we had were straight at the goalkeeper," Ellis said.
"We are always looking for improved performances but this was not a good day in terms of that,” she added.

She went on to say that she was happy with the number of opportunities created but that Banayan would have to work on conceding so poorly.

South Africa will play their final group game on Sunday night when they take on Botswana. Botswana and Nigeria are both tied on three points, three points behind Banyana.

Banyana Banyana breeze by Burundi to secure quarter-final qualification in Women's Africa Cup of Nations

Banyana Banyana are through to the knock-out stages of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The South African side ran riot against debutants Burundi, winning 3-1, but the scoreline should have been a lot worse.

Banyana ran out easy winners, but Burundi’s keeper, Jeanine Irakoze, earned praise for her performance in front of goal.

Desiree Ellis praises Banyana Banyana side after victory over Nigeria in Women's Africa Cup of Nations

Banyana Banyana are still brimming after their victory against Nigeria last night.

Coach Desiree Ellis praised the team’s performance and shared her thoughts on the opening game of Group C of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Jermaine Seoposenwe scored on the hour mark to give the South Africans the lead, with midfielder Hildah Magaia doubling the advantage two minutes later. Nigeria would score a late goal, but Banyana hung on for the win.

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Byron Pillay
Byron Pillay is a sports writer and Head of the Department at Sports Brief (joined in 2022) with over 10 years of experience in community journalism and a degree in journalism from Caxton's Cadet School.
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