South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis believes her team were unlucky to lose to Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations( Wafcon), describing the Super Falcons’ late winner as a “freakish goal.”
The Banyana Banyana fell 2-1 to the nine-time champions on Tuesday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Morocco ending their hopes of reaching a second consecutive final.
Nigeria went ahead in the first half through a Rasheedat Ajibade penalty, but South Africa responded after the break, with Linda Motlhalo converting from the spot in the 60th minute.
Just as the game seemed to be heading to extra time, Michelle Alozie struck in stoppage time to snatch victory for Nigeria a moment Ellis felt could not have been defended.
“I’d say Nigeria’s second goal was a freakish goal because everyone missed it, including the goalkeeper,” Ellis told reporters post-match. “Those are chances that you can’t defend.”
While acknowledging Nigeria’s clinical edge, the 60-year-old coach insisted her players matched the Super Falcons and did not deserve to leave empty-handed.
“We had chances and Nigeria had theirs. They scored theirs and that’s really heartbreaking,” she said. “But we showed today why we were champions. We didn’t play like we were coming off a 120-minute game.”
South Africa held 54% of possession and matched Nigeria for goal attempts, but were ultimately undone by their inability to convert key chances.
“We struggled early on, but we had the better chances after that. We didn’t take them, and that kept Nigeria in the game,” Ellis added. “I don’t think if you look at the balance of the performances, we deserved to lose today. But we did.”
Desirée Ellis.Photo Credit: X
Since taking charge of South Africa’s women’s national team in 2016, Ellis has overseen the team’s rise to continental prominence.
She led Banyana Banyana to a runners-up finish at the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, securing a historic qualification to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019.
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In 2022, Ellis guided South Africa to their first WAFCON title defeating hosts Morocco and earned another World Cup ticket. Under her leadership, the team reached the Round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the best finish in the country’s history.
For her achievements, Ellis has been named CAF Women’s Coach of the Year four times between 2018 and 2023.
Desirée Ellis.Photo Credit: X
In recognition of her contributions to football, she was awarded the National Order of Ikhamanga by the South African government in April 2023.
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The defeat to Nigeria ends South Africa’s dream of defending their WAFCON crown, while the Super Falcons move on to face hosts Morocco in Saturday’s final.
