Desiree Ellis hails Banyana courage in COSAFA final qualification

South Africa overcame Zimbabwe in a tense penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday. 

Ellis believes her players fought for one another throughout the match, with every individual fully understanding and executing their role to secure the victory. 

"After the Lesotho game, we obviously said we're looking for improvement, and I thought today was really a big step up from that match," said Ellis.

"We knew it was going to be physical, we knew they were going to come at us, but I think after conceding that goal so early, we settled down a bit and when Casey [Gordon] gave that assist, I think her confidence also rose.

"But I must say, the whole team really stood up, they fought for each other and we needed that type of performance where, if one person wasn't in position then someone else made the run, if one person missed a tackle, someone else was there to make that tackle."

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Looking ahead to the final, Ellis is excited about the opportunity for both junior and senior players to experience a showpiece occasion when South Africa take on Namibia on Sunday. 

"I think everybody's still celebrating and happy for the group of players, and I think many of them have never played in a final," she added.

"And there are more senior players that have played for Banyana but haven't played in a final, so for them to make the final is a big thing, it's huge for them, and I think it will help a lot with their confidence.

"I think we learnt a lesson against Lesotho where we didn't take our chances, and Namibia put up a very good defensive performance against Zambia, and when they got their chance they took it.

"So another opponent who will challenge us, but I think after this improved performance, I think we can only get better and better."