Desiree Ellis and Seoposenwe React To Zambia Clash

Banyana Banyana have their eyes fixed on the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final encounter against Zambia on Monday, 18 July at the Stade Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, (kickoff 19h00pm).

Zambia qualified for their first ever World Cup while the SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana will be making their second consecutive appearance at the tournament.

The last time the two sides met was in February 2022 for an international friendly match where the Copper Queens thumped Ellis’ side 3-0 with goals from Barbra Banda (2 goals) and Avell Chitundu. Tokyo Olympic star Banda will, however, be noticeably absent on Monday and Banyana will be hoping this works in their favour.

Coach Desiree Ellis said her side will focus on booking a place in the WAFCON final and try to win the elusive title. “It’s a big game, and if we want to achieve one of our objectives, we have to get a positive results going forward,” said Ellis.

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“We have played Zambia on many occasions and as much as we know them, we also think they know our strengths and weaknesses. But we have to execute our game plan.” The coach was accompanied by Banyana roving forward Jermaine Seoposenwe at the mandatory Match Day -1 Press conference.

Seoposenwe, who has had an outstanding tournament so far, said the team was determined to make the country proud. “We are trying to focus and use this time to rectify the mistakes that we made in the previous games.” said Seoposenwe .

ELLIS PRAISES SAFA AND SASOL

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has issued a word of appreciation to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and sponsors SASOL for their support during the team’s campaign in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament.

The SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana coach was reflecting on the team’s journey, victory over Tunisia and the semi-final match against Zambia on Monday, 18 July 2022. “We have had a lot of challenges leading up to the Tunisia game and we really have to give a big thank you to the Association (SAFA) for supporting us through that and helping us get ready for the game against Tunisia.

“I would also want to thank Hollywood Bets for helping us professionalise women football and help prepare our girls to be more competitive,” said Ellis. Speaking with SAFA.net coach Desiree Ellis admitted that the team did not want a repeat of 2014 where they had to go the longer route to qualify for the World Cup but fell short and missed out.

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“In 2014 we were in a similar position where we lost the semifinals and we had to play a third place playoff and we did not make it so we had to make sure. I want to commend the players even though it was frantic and hectic, they fought for each other and made sure that we did not concede.”

“The pressure of qualifying is off our backs.It’s another pressure game (against Zambia)and we look forward to that. In each game we have shown that we can create and we just need to be more clinical. The Tunisia game could have gone a different direction if we did not take our chances.”

“These knock out games you get a once off and you don’t get a second chance. There is no three points and you need to make sure you win.” Added the coach. The winner of the COSAFA derby will go on to play the winner of the second semifinal clash between hosts Morocco and defending champions Nigeria.