Ellis stands by team choices after Banyana Banyana's draw with Tanzania

Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis has defended her decision to rotate the starting line-up after a 1-1 draw with Tanzania, insisting her selections were good enough to win the match.

The result, played at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Friday night, means South Africa remain top of Group C on goal difference ahead of Mali — both sides sitting on four points — but a win would have secured qualification to the knockout stages with a game to spare.

The defending champions were shocked in the 24th minute when Tanzania captain Opa Clement gave the Twiga Stars the lead. Banyana responded in the second half with an equaliser from Bambanani Mbane, but it wasn’t enough to secure all three points.

Ellis’ decision to make four changes to the starting line-up that defeated Ghana 2-0 in the opener raised eyebrows. Most notably, she dropped in-form goalkeeper Andile Dlamini in favour of Kaylin Swart. 

She also introduced Lonathemba Mhlongo, Siyabulela Holweni and Kgaelebane Mohlakoana in place of Tiisetso Makhubela, Amogelang Motau and Lebohang Ramalepe.

Despite the public scrutiny, Ellis was clear that she stood by her choices.

“We had a good enough team to get a result, they scored early, and we had a chance to score before they could – we didn’t put it away, it is the nature of the game,” said Ellis.

She acknowledged the missed opportunity to secure early qualification but praised her side’s fighting spirit after going behind.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted but we are still in it. I thought the comeback was good, we could have won it as we had a couple of chances, but that’s how the game goes.”

“We said before the match that no game is easy, we saw how Nigeria scored in the last minute, that’s how difficult the games are going to be, but you have to take your chances.

“We felt if we get the three points we would go through to the next round already, but it was not to be, there is still some more work to be done.”

She added that Tanzania came into the match desperate for points and managed to disrupt Banyana’s style of play.

“There is no easy team anymore, they hadn’t picked up any points, we knew they needed to win at all costs and they came with a plan, made us play like a team under pressure when we were not under pressure, playing into their hands at times with the long ball, but still there is all to play for in the group,” said Ellis.

Still unbeaten in their last 13 WAFCON matches — with 10 wins and three draws — Banyana have shown they know how to fight.

“This team has shown they have the grit, they have the courage and the resilience to fight back and get the result that we deserve.”

South Africa will now face Mali in their final Group C fixture on Monday night at 9pm South African time, while Tanzania take on Ghana at the same time.