WAFCON 2024: South Africa Coach Ellis Regrets Missed Opportunities in Narrow Defeat to Nigeria’s Super Falcons

South Africa’s women’s national team coach, Desiree Ellis, has shared her deep frustration following their 2-1 loss to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the semi-final clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The match, which took place on Tuesday night, saw defending champions Banyana Banyana suffer a dramatic setback against their long-standing rivals, Nigeria, who once again proved dominant on the continental stage.

The Super Falcons broke the deadlock late in the first half, when Rasheedat Ajibade clinically converted a penalty, placing Nigeria ahead just before the interval.

Despite the setback, South Africa responded fiercely. Around the 60th minute, Linda Motlhalo leveled the scoreline by netting a penalty for the Banyana Banyana, giving her team a brief resurgence and hopes of reclaiming control of the game.

However, heartbreak came in the dying moments of added time. Nigerian defender Michelle Alozie delivered a thunderous long-range shot that beat the South African goalkeeper, sealing a sensational late winner for the Super Falcons.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Coach Desiree Ellis lamented her team’s inability to capitalize on clear-cut chances.

“We had a strong desire to win this match. But failing to make the most of our chances cost us dearly,” Ellis stated in disappointment.

Following this semi-final loss, South Africa will now shift focus to the third-place playoff, where they’ll face Ghana’s Black Queens on Friday, in a bid to finish the tournament with a bronze medal.