Ellis celebrates Banyana after securing a spot in the Inter-confederation Playoffs

South Africa missed out on automatic World Cup qualification after suffering a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to hosts Morocco at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Ellis also praised goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who was named Player of the Match after making crucial saves to help Banyana secure the victory.

Ellis believes Banyana showed greater intensity in the second half. She is also pleased that the players delivered on their mandate to secure a place in the World Cup playoffs. 

"We were resolute throughout the game and when we went into half-time we changed a few things and we then got the goal. I know people at home are asking why we couldn't play like that from the beginning of the competition, but at least the dream is still alive."

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The 63-year-old mentor says her players will now take some time to rest before regrouping for the Olympic qualifiers and the inter-confederation playoffs for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

"We have an Olympic Games Qualifier before that play-off, and we also have the Super League back home restarting after only five games in the league. So, the next couple of months are going to be crucial on how we plan to strengthen the squad."