Banyana coach disappointed with draw but proud of players

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis believes that her team could have won the game against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had they taken the ample chances they created.

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In the end Banyana had to settle for a 1-1 draw with the DRC at Stade des Matyrs on Wednesday in the first leg of the Olympics qualifier.

Banyana had to fight their way back into the game after conceding a goal, but Thembi Kgatlana managed to equalise for the side.

Ellis, who was missing most of her regulars in the game, says the players who were given a chance to play did well, especially her defence which was playing together for the first time.

“We got an away goal, but I think it could have been more than one. We got a couple or chances to put the game into bed, so, it’s all to play for in the second leg. We had one training session, but I’m really proud of the players and the way they performed,” said Ellis.

“We had a completely new back-line as well, a young back-line. But there is still a lot of work to be done, we have a couple of days at home and some players coming back into the squad as well.”

Ellis added that the players were prepared for a physical match against the DRC.

“We knew that it’s going to be physical and they have strength and speed. We knew it was going to happen and we said we must cut out the crosses and win the aerial battle. I thought we could have defended the goal better, but I think reaction after that was really good getting the goal early,” commented Ellis.

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Banyana will be looking to seal the two legged-tie when they host the DRC at Orlando Stadium on Monday, 30 October.

The winner of this match will progress to get third round of the qualifiers.