Desiree Ellis backs Banyana’s fighting spirit despite WAFCON exit

The 2022 champions were knocked out after suffering a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Ellis says she was impressed by the periods in which Banyana managed to control the game and believes they can take lessons from the defeat.

"I think we were really up for it today. I thought that up until they scored, we controlled a lot of the game. We didn't really create as much as we wanted to, and then they scored. We didn't have the start we wanted, giving away a penalty at such a crucial time. It took us a while after that," said Ellis

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"We threw everything at them; we got the goal and had a few shots that were blocked. I think that shot by Robyn [Moodaly-Salgado] probably says it all-that we threw everything at them. We couldn't get the result, and that last fifteen minutes were all us. Unfortunately, we didn't get the result, but I think if you look at the performance and effort, you cannot fault that."

Ellis adds that greater composure in front of goal could have changed the outcome, with Banyana creating opportunities late in the match. 

Banyana’s quarter-final exit also means they miss out on an opportunity to qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

They will now have to go through the playoff route, with Ellis insisting her side will give everything in their bid to secure a place at the global showpiece.