Set-pieces let us down – Ellis

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis’ (above) charges pulled off an improved performance after playing to a 2-2 draw with Chile at Estadio Santa Laura in Santiago on Tuesday.

It was their second meeting with the South Americans, having lost 2-1 in the first encounter last Saturday, and the Banyana mentor believes her charges were on top of their game this time around, despite not getting a win.

She pointed out that they have to do better when it comes to defending set-pieces.

“I thought we played really well, created opportunities and could have scored in the first minute with Refiloe Jane’s header.

“But a great performance by the team.

“This is what we are looking for – we are looking for results, but we are also looking for improved performances and today was an improved performance by far,” said Ellis.

“Everyone played their part, creating opportunities and countered whatever they threw at us.

“We have to go back and look at defending set-pieces because that was the only way they could have scored today because we were outstanding at defence and we were really good on the counter.”

The Banyana coach added that they had learned a lot about the hosts in their first meeting, which paid dividends going into the second match.

“When we played them the first time there were a lot of things they did, trying to pull us out of position and trying to overload the sides.

“We looked at the videos and learned from that and today when they tried it we were well organised.

“They tried it in the middle of the park, at first Rachel Sebati and Kholosa Biyana didn’t pick it up, but we got the information to them in time to tell them to keep position but also to pick up.”

Banyana are on their way home and are expected to land in the country this morning to continue with their preparations for the 2019 Women’s Afcon in Ghana which starts in November.

We are looking for results but we are also looking for improved performances.

Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana coach