View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

Ellis: Banyana Defence Held Out Really Well

Ellis: Banyana Defence Held Out Really Well

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 28: Desiree Ellis, Head Coach of South Africa, speaks to the media in the post match press conference after the FIFA Womens World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between Argentina and South Africa at Dunedin Stadium on July 28, 2023 in Dunedin / Å?tepoti, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has opened up on what she believes the team did wrong after letting slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Argentina in their second group game at the FIFA Women's World Cup on Friday morning.

Banyana went into the game against Argentina on the back of a heartbreak after conceding in the last minute to lose 2-1 to Sweden in their opener.

READ: Arrows Announce Five New Signings

On Friday, the African champions broke the deadlock against the South American side on the half-hour mark through Linda Motlhalo, after the goal, initially disallowed for offside, was given by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Thembi Kgatlana doubled Banyana's lead on 66 minutes. However, Argentina reduced the deficit on 74 minutes through Sophia Braun and then Romina Nunez snatched the equaliser four minutes later.

Ellis did not want to blame her defence for conceding the two goals but believes it is their decision-making that let them down after creating numerous chances and not converting them.

"I don't think it was the defence that was the problem, the defence held out really well. It was the chances we created, it was the moments when we got into the final third and made the wrong decisions, the players running free on goal," Ellis told SAFA media.

Sign In 

"If we had made better decisions, we would be talking differently right now. We cannot create all those chances, and then they get those two chances at the back and they score. It's about taking our chances and making the right decisions in the final third," she added.

Banyana to need to beat Italy in their final group game next Wednesday morning to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Ellis' charges are bidding to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in their history after they were knocked out in the group stages in their first World Cup appearance four years ago.

READ: Dzvukamanja's Pirates Exit To Open Doors

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.   

Click here to register 

Comments

Top 5

Top 10 Confirmed PSL Free Agents

Jul 02, 2025 08:28 AM in Premiership

In Images: New Faces Spotted At Chiefs!

Jul 02, 2025 10:29 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Who Could Be Next? 10 Pirates Stars Facing Uncertain Futures

Jul 02, 2025 03:56 PM in Orlando-Pirates

How Pirates Could Line Up With New Signings

Jul 04, 2025 08:41 AM in Orlando-Pirates

Breaking! Chiefs Unveil Two New Signings

Jul 01, 2025 12:09 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

How Chiefs Got Monyane After Nearly Signing Mabuza

Jul 04, 2025 10:11 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Pirates Midfielder Not Short Of Suitors

Jul 04, 2025 12:36 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Margeman Confirms Exit Amid SuperSport Sale

Jul 04, 2025 11:17 AM in Siyagobhoza

Tau's Former Club 'Keen' To Land Ribeiro

Jul 04, 2025 12:13 PM in Middle-East

Former Players Bid SuperSport United Farewell

Jul 04, 2025 11:36 AM in Fan Park