Coach Desiree Ellis proud of Banyana Banyana despite World Cup exit

Coach Desiree Ellis proud of Banyana Banyana despite World Cup exit

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis heaped praise on her team following their exit from the 2023 Women's World Cup.

South Africa progressed to the last 16 of the competition with a superb 3-2 victory over Italy to set up a clash with the Netherlands.

But it wasn't to be for Ellis' side as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday morning.

Jill Roord opened the scoring after just minutes and Lineth Beerensteyn sealed the win with her goal on 68 minutes.

Speaking after the game, a proud Ellis insisted her side gave their all.

She said on SuperSport: "I can only say one thing, if their goalkeeper gets Player of the Match, what does that tell you.

"Yet, once again we created chanced and we made errors in critical phases but I'm very proud of these players, they gave their all today and they know that they were in the game.

"They came here to put up a fight and put up a game. In the second half, the tiredness and fatigue came in but we still tried to create a few opportunities.

"But South Africa can be very proud of this team."

READ MORE: The Netherlands break South African hearts at FIFA Women's World Cup