Banyana Banyana of South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis is surprised that the reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions are not considered among the tournament favorites.
Despite winning the last edition, analysts favor Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Zambia, and hosts Morocco.
Banyana Banyana will start their title defense against Ghana in Morocco from July 5 to 26. Ellis believes being underestimated could work in their favor.
“Even though we are the defending champions, we are not classed as one of the favourites,” Ellis told The South African.
“People talk about Zambia, Nigeria, and Morocco as likely to win it. They don’t talk about SA. We’ve never been big talkers on anything like that. We know how big the task is. As defending champions, every team sees us as their final.”
Preparing for Ghana
Ellis emphasizes the need for thorough preparation, especially for their opening match against Ghana, now led by Swedish coach Kim Björkegren.
“We had to be prepared. Once we knew our opponents, we started gathering footage, analyzing, and sharing insights with other coaches to ensure we have all the necessary information,” she explained.
“Ghana have a new coach, so that will be crucial for us in getting over that first hurdle. Our first game is against Ghana, and we have to make sure our squad selection is spot on.”
Ellis has won CAF Women’s Coach of the Year 4 times: 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023. (Photo Credit SABC)
Ellis acknowledges that defending the WAFCON title presents a tough challenge, as every team will aim to dethrone them.
“We know it is going to be tough this time because, as defending champions, everyone chases you. When you’re not the title holders, the pressure is off,” she said.
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Learning from Nigeria’s Legacy
She points to Nigeria’s consistent success in African women’s football as the benchmark for sustained excellence.
“Nigeria has done it over and over. They are serial winners, and to be put in the same bracket as them, you have to earn it.”
Despite being overlooked, Ellis and her squad are determined to prove doubters wrong and make history by securing back-to-back WAFCON titles.
“All of us know how big it is to win back-to-back, and we are working hard towards it. We have to plan and prepare properly,” Ellis concluded.
Super Falcons of Nigeria are record champions with 14 titles, first in 1991 but the falcons have seen their dominance dwarfed in recent years with emerging nations like South Africa, Morocco and Zambia.
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Morocco will be hosting Africa’s biggest women football fiesta for the second time in a row after hosting and finishing as runners up in 2022.
