Ellis also said what matters most in this year’s WAFCON, is for teams to win their first game and gain the necessary momentum for the tournament
By Mosope Michaels
South Africa coach, Desiree Ellis has said Banyana Banyana must stay consistent like their Nigerian counterpart to become dominant in Africa and earn the needed respect in the game.
She made the comment on Sunday, July 3, while speaking at the press conference preceding the opening group game between the two African giants.
The Super Falcons will begin the defence of their title, when they clash with South Africa in the 2022 WAFCON Group C opener on Monday, June 4.
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Ellis, who during the press briefing said their first opponent, Nigeria, remains their biggest threat in the competition, also noted that the Super Eagles have remained dominant because they are consistent.
She said, “The first game of the tournament is always the biggest game and this makes it even better because it’s against defending champions Nigeria and because it is Nigeria, the game is bigger than what it is supposed to be.
“We want to start well and we know it is going to be a tough encounter. They are not Champions for nothing.
“They have been consistent over the years and that is one area that we need to improve on; to be consistent in our performances and be classified amongst the best.”
She went on to say what matters the most is to win one’s first game and earn 3 points in a bid to gain the necessary momentum needed for the tournament.
“It’s all about the three points at the moment and getting the tournament to a good start,” Ellis added.
This year’s tournament kicked off on Saturday, July 2, with hosts Morocco edging past debutants Burkina Faso 1-0 in Group A.
On Sunday in Group B, Tunisia beat Togo by 4-1, Zambia held Cameroon to a stalemate, while Senegal beat Uganda 2-0 in the remaining Group A fixture.
Apart from the lure of winning this year’s tournament, the top four teams in this year’s WAFCON will represent the African continent at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup billed to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Two other African sides will enter a 10-team intercontinental play-off which will decide the final three spots at the female World Cup.