Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has voiced her disappointment following South Africa’s 2-1 defeat to the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the semi-final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The reigning champions fell to their long-standing rivals on Tuesday night in a dramatic contest that ended with a stoppage-time winner for Nigeria.
Rasheedat Ajibade put the Super Falcons ahead late in the first half via a penalty, but South Africa responded in the 60th minute with a spot-kick of their own, converted by Linda Motlhalo.
However, Nigeria sealed the win in the dying moments of the match when defender Michelle Alozie fired home from long range, leaving goalkeeper Andile Dlamini helpless.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ellis lamented her team’s failure to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
“We wanted to win. If we had taken our chances, we could have won the game,” she admitted.
South Africa will now face the Black Queens of Ghana in the third-place playoff on Friday.
