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By Oscar Okhifo
South Africa’s head coach, Desiree Ellis, has expressed disappointment over her team’s failure to convert key scoring opportunities in their 2–1 semi-final loss to Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The thrilling encounter saw Nigeria take the lead through Rasheedat Ajibade’s first-half penalty, before South Africa equalized via a spot-kick by Linda Motlhalo in the 60th minute. However, a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Michelle Alozie sealed victory for the Super Falcons, ending South Africa’s dream of back-to-back WAFCON titles.
Speaking after the match, Ellis expressed sadness over her side’s inability to make the most of their dominance and the chances they created throughout the game.
“If we had taken our chances, we could have won the game,” she said, referencing missed opportunities from key players such as Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hilda Magaia, and Noxolo Cesane.
Ellis dismissed suggestions that her team was content to push the match into a penalty shootout, insisting that their game plan was to win within regulation time.
“We were not playing for penalties. We wanted to win outright, and we had enough chances to do so,” she added.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Ellis praised her team’s performance, noting that they went toe-to-toe with the nine-time champions and controlled parts of the match.
She acknowledged that the result was disappointing, especially considering the pedigree and expectations surrounding her team, the reigning champions from the 2022 edition.
With the defeat, South Africa’s quest to retain the WAFCON title comes to an end, while Nigeria advances to the final in pursuit of a record-extending 10th continental crown.
Ellis, who has led the Banyana Banyana in five WAFCON tournaments, remains proud of the team’s progress but emphasized that clinical finishing remains a key area for improvement going forward