We are more mature now – Desiree Ellis on Sweden defeat

Hildah Magaia's goal at the beginning of the second half raised hopes for Banyana but Fridolino Rolfo's 68th-minute equalizer and Amanda Ilestedt’s second goal in the dying minutes of the game sealed a victory for Sweden.

Ellis says the African Champions are more developed now than they were in France.

"I think it's different circumstances we knew what to expect but we also didn't know what to expect. In the end, we couldn't hold out [At the 2019 World Cup]. I think a little bit of tactical endurance was not there. A little bit of naivety was there. 

I think we are more mature now. We also have grown. I think winning the WAFCON [Women's Africa Cup of Nations] last year was a big plus for us," Ellis explained.

Magaia who also scored the two winning goals for Banyana in their final WAFCON game against Morocco suffered an injury after scoring in today's game. Ellis says she will however be fully fit for the next match.

"As she went in to put the ball over the line at the back station of the goal post, she fell with her hand and her knee on there. 

So, it was a bit tough for her coming off but we have a good squad. Unfortunately, she couldn't continue but she should be okay for the next game."

The former Banyana captain says her team stuck to the game plan and she is proud of them because of the boldness they have shown on and off the field.

"I thought at this performance even though it was a loss, we are very proud of the way we played. We might have not had the preparation we wanted but the group of players have shown resilience, they've shown bravery, they've shown courage and through that, we could have gotten a better result."