We need to perform better than we did in the first match vs Senegal – Desiree Ellis

Ellis says she was impressed by certain aspects of the game, but a lot needs to improve to get positive results. The first match ended in a 1-all draw with Nthabiseng Majiya netting South Africa’s goal while the Teranga Lionesses equalized in referee’s optional time for a share of the spoils.  

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''Look, we need to be better on the ball, we worked a lot on being better in all areas - our movement on the ball needs to be better, our combination plays. The goal that we scored was perfect, one-two touch football, that is what we are known for,'' said Ellis.

With several new faces in the team, mainly youngsters, Ellis is looking to give them a run against Senegal but also wants to tread carefully as the aim is to prepare them thoroughly first.

''Look, you want to give everyone a run,  but you also look at getting players ready. When you bring a new player in, some of them are not just able to step up and you don't want to throw them in at a deep end before their careers start in the national team, maybe have a bad game and then you look back and you say you should have prepared them better,'' added Ellis.

Ellis adds that compared to the first match when they only had little time to acclimatize, they are now getting used to the hot weather conditions in West Africa, and this will put them in good stead for the second match.

Good news from the Banyana Banyana camp is that defender Karabo Dhlamini has recovered from her injury after she was stretchered off in the second half. But it is not clear if Ellis will use the left back or rest her as the head coach intends giving more players game time.