Desiree Ellis reacts to 2024 WAFCON draw

The draw for the showpiece scheduled for 6-25 July 2024 in Morocco saw South Africa pitted against Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania in Group C. 

READ: Banyana learn their fate in the 2024 WAFCON draw

Ellis is now looking forward to thorough planning and preparation after learning the identity of their opponents as Banyana aim to defend their title from 2022, which was also won in Morocco.

"Each and every country on the African continent is improving – every FIFA window we have all these countries playing on a regular basis and utilising their whole FIFA window," said Ellis.

"I said before that no draw is easy, and you cannot underestimate anyone. Now that we know who our opponents are, we can obviously prepare [accordingly]."

Ellis’ sentiments were echoed by Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who was one of the draw assistants at the prestigious ceremony in Morocco.

"Firstly, as the defending champions, we're not going to be cocky at all. The only thing that we need to do is work extremely hard, preparing for this tournament," Dlamini added.

"The top three countries have actually finished in the last 16 at the FIFA Women's World Cup, and anyone is capable of winning this tournament – it depends on who actually excels on the specific day.

"But, as the defending champions, we're ready to work hard and actually showcase our talent – South Africa is a beautiful country and has beautiful, talented players that always want to give their all.

"I know that each and every African girl out there wants to showcase their talent on the continent because this is where it all begins, before you even go overseas, it's starts here at home, so this is going to be a great competition."

READ: Jamaica games last chance to test players before WAFCON - Ellis