Banyana coach: don’t let up now

AFCON: ELLIS’ SIDE FACE BATTERED EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

The job is far from over for Desiree Ellis and her Banyana Banyana team as they head to their second Group B game against Equatorial Guinea today in the 2018 Caf Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Banyana had the perfect start to the tournament, brushing aside the competition’s defending champions Nigeria 1-0 on Sunday, a victory that will forever be etched in the history books of African football.

Banyana are second in the group with three points, level with Zambia, who hammered Equatorial Guinea 5-0 in their opening game, putting them on top of the group standings with a better goal difference.

Having to face a team that lost so heavily, while they managed to beat the defending champions, Ellis says it’s important for her players to stay focused and is banking on experienced players to keep everyone grounded.

“We have to stay level-headed because it was only the first game. It’s always difficult to face a team who lost so heavily. But when I look at our squad in training I see players who are very experienced and they will be keeping everyone grounded because many of our players have been in the team for a long time,” said the Banyana coach.

“We have to be ready as usual because playing someone who lost like that is very dangerous and we won’t take anything for granted.”

Three points against Equatorial Guinea will put Banyana in a fantastic position to qualify for the semifinals ahead of their last group phase game against Zambia.

And with that in mind, Ellis has emphasised the need to keep the winning momentum going and says the Equatorial Guinea clash is as important as the game against the Super Falcons.

“We have make sure we get three points, we have a fantastic group of players. We want to make sure we have it on our hands so Wednesday is key for us, just as the first game was. We want to continue with our winning momentum because it gives confidence to the whole group.”