Ellis hails Oparanozie, galliant Banyana
Head coach of South Africa’s Women’s national team, Desiree Ellis has explained that her game plan was to stifle Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the second semi-final of the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Cameroun.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons were frustrated for most parts by a well-drilled Banyana Banyana side until En Avant Guingamp attacker, Desire Oparanozie popped up in the second half to plunder the winner.
Ellis saluted the quality of Oparanozie’s strike but hailed her charges for a ‘magnificent display’.
“Congratulations to Nigeria for a hard-earned victory.
“I think our plan worked for most of the time; we stifled Nigeria and it took a moment of madness to beat us.
“I am not sure whether it was a free kick or not, but what a fantastic strike by Oparanozie.
“We had our chances but did not convert them.
“However, I think all of South Africa can be extremely proud of Banyana Banyana because we fought hard and the game could have gone either way,” Ellis submitted at the post-match press conference.
South Africa will now meet Ghana in the third place game on December 2 at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé.
