The coach of the Banyana Banyana team, Desire Ellis, is optimistic ahead of the upcoming WAFCON quarter-final match against host Morocco. Despite a challenging campaign in the WAFCON group stage, the South African national team is ready to fight for direct qualification to the 2027 Women's World Cup.
Desire Ellis's team finished second in Group B, accumulating four points, which was three points behind the leaders from Ivory Coast. Although this result was enough to qualify for the final eight, where they will face the 'Atlas Lionesses' at the Moulay El Hassan stadium (match scheduled for 22:00), the team's overall performance still does not meet their high standards.
Last year in Morocco, the team finished fourth, losing the title to their arch-rival Nigeria. Therefore, Banyana was expected to set the pace from the beginning. Instead, they started poorly, losing 2-1 to Tanzania and drawing 2-2 with Ivory Coast before securing an important victory over Burkina Faso. This part of the campaign made hopes for the quarter-finals dependent on Ivory Coast beating Tanzania in the last group match, which happened.
Now, entering the playoffs, Banyana fully controls its destiny: a win against the hosts guarantees a place in the semi-finals and direct progression to their third consecutive World Cup appearance. Despite Morocco having the advantage of home ground and impeccable group stage statistics, South Africa possesses psychological superiority and experience in major matches. Banyana previously defeated the 'Atlas Lionesses' in Rabat four years ago, winning their first continental title, and since taking charge in 2016, Ellis has never missed a WAFCON semi-final.
At a press conference in Rabat on Thursday, Ellis remained pragmatic about their history, warning against complacency against the Moroccan defense, which has not conceded a single goal in the tournament so far. 'I believe every tournament presents different challenges,' stated Ellis. 'We have seen teams improve both last year and this year. We take nothing for granted. You underestimate the team at your own risk.'
She continued: 'This doesn't mean that if you win the first game, you automatically advance, or if you lose, that you won't progress. It's about how you bounce back from it. This team has a 'never give up' attitude. They are resilient and will not stop until the very end.'
Since the team only found its rhythm late in the group stage, Banyana must improve its finishing in the final third to overcome the tournament's toughest defense. The Sasol Banyana Banyana team has arrived in Rabat and settled well in the hotel ahead of the quarter-final against host Morocco on Saturday. Ellis added that they need to better control possession and make more intelligent decisions in the final third. 'We have shown we can create chances, so if we do that, we can score. Morocco reached the playoffs without conceding a single goal, so technically they are a very strong team. We must remain vigilant throughout the entire game—whether it's 90 minutes, extra time, or penalties.'
Although there remains a backup route through the World Cup playoffs if they do not advance on Saturday, senior defender Karabo Dlammini insists that the team is aiming for the direct route. 'From the players' perspective, you can see that we are a different group compared to 2022,' said Dlammini, one of the 16 players remaining from the championship squad. 'Most young players dream of playing in the World Cup, so it would be great if we, with our experience, could help them achieve this goal.'
