Desiree Ellis proud of Banyana Banyana fight despite COSAFA final heartbreak

South Africa went down 2-1 after extra time to the Brave Gladiators at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Ellis said her players gave everything throughout the tournament but were unfortunate not to convert their chances in the final.

"Once again I say, we create so many chances. I mean, in extra-time we hit the post, Lona [Mhlongo] – on either side of the goalkeeper then it's a goal, and we got caught with a sucker punch," said Ellis.

"But they gave everything that they had, I'm very proud of the group, they were magnificent today and magnificent the whole tournament, and I couldn't have asked for a bigger effort from them."

READ: Banyana defender on training with experienced players

The 62-year-old mentor added that, despite the disappointment, there were many positives to take from the performance.

"They had a lot of chances – I think they had two and they took it, and I spoke about taking our chances, we could have scored three in extra-time," she added.

"But well done to them, they fought and we were brave today but it just didn't go our way."