Sports Desk Reporter
Sasol Banyana Banyana may have bowed out of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at the quarterfinal stage. But head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has backed her players after their battling display against Morocco.
South Africa suffered a 2-1 defeat to the tournament hosts at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night.
Morocco took the lead in the 31st minute when Sakina Ouzraoui found the back of the net.
The hosts were awarded a penalty early in the second half. Hanane Ait El Haj converted from the spot in the 51st minute to put Morocco 2-0 ahead.
Banyana responded with renewed intensity and began putting the hosts under sustained pressure.
Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back in the 67th minute. The goal gave South Africa hope of forcing the match into extra time.
Ellis’ charges continued searching for an equaliser in the closing stages. A late chance presented an opportunity to level the score, but Morocco’s goalkeeper produced an important save.
The result ended Banyana’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals and securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Despite the disappointment, Ellis was full of praise for the players.
She felt South Africa had been in control for much of the opening 35 minutes before conceding the first goal.
The penalty after the interval then forced Banyana to recover from another setback.
Ellis believes the response from her players showed their character.
“For the first 35 minutes we were in control until we conceded; we had played well until that moment. Conceding that penalty just after half-time put us back where we had to restart, but then we started playing again and got the goal and had them on the back foot for a very long time,” Ellis said.
She added that Morocco created few opportunities after Banyana began applying pressure.
“But I can be very proud of the team; we knew how important this game was and I think everybody that stepped onto the field can be proud that they gave everything,” she said.
Ellis also acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the direct route to the World Cup.
“We wanted to go this route (World Cup), but unfortunately, it’s past now; we’re already thinking of the next game coming up,” she said.
The coach believes Banyana’s performance also proved their doubters wrong.
“I think many people did not give us a chance, but tonight we showed what we are capable of,” Ellis said.
She felt the match could have gone either way. Morocco made the most of their opportunities.
The South African coach also pointed to the final stages of the match. She felt the hosts were beginning to tire.
“This is what this team is all about; they never give up until the final whistle. We just ran out of minutes in the end because I felt that in the last 15 minutes they (Morocco) were tiring,” Ellis said.
She congratulated Morocco on securing their place at the World Cup. But she stressed that South Africa’s own hopes have not disappeared.
The quarterfinal exit means Banyana must now take the longer play-off route for World Cup qualification.
South Africa will begin that campaign in Casablanca on Thursday against the losers of the Nigeria and Cameroon quarterfinal.
The players were disappointed immediately after the defeat. Ellis said the coaching staff reminded them that they still have an opportunity to reach the World Cup.
“Immediately after the game there was disappointment among the players, but we reminded them that we still have a game to play, and we reminded them that they’re not completely out of it,” she said.
Ellis admitted the play-off route was not the preferred option. But she said the team must now focus on the opportunity in front of them.
“We didn’t want to go that route (play-offs), but it’s been thrown at us, the dice turned the other way, and we reminded them that we need to get ready for that game,” she said.
The coach said the immediate priority is to ensure the squad recovers quickly and is ready for another demanding match.
“We need to make sure that mentally and physically, we are ready for that game. We are just focusing on the next game, but obviously we’ll have to recover really quickly and then prepare for that game,” Ellis added.
Banyana travel to Casablanca ahead of the play-off encounter as they attempt to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Sasol also expressed its support for the team following the defeat.
Dean Somerset, Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships at Sasol, said the result did not change the company’s pride in Banyana Banyana.
He praised the players for continuing to fight until the final whistle. He also highlighted their contribution to the growth of women’s football in the country.
“The result may not have gone our way on the night, but it does not diminish the immense pride we have in the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana,” Somerset said.
He added that Sasol’s support is not defined by a single result. It is rooted in the team’s journey, resilience and continued efforts to break barriers for women’s football.
Somerset said the company remains behind Banyana as they prepare for their next challenge.
The focus now shifts to Casablanca, where South Africa will fight for another chance to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.