By BAKANG MOKOTO
29 July 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis is confident that her charges will bounce back after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in the opening match of Group B at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday. Two goals in either half saw the Twigga Stars emerge victorious in an encounter, where South Africa had many chances, but were unable to convert.
The East Africans took the lead in the 31st minute through Diana Msewa. But defender Bambanane Mbane would have none of it and restored parity during the referee’s optional time. Ellis made some changes in the second stanza bringing on Nthabiseng Majiya, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Amogelang Motau, Ronnel Donnely and Isabella Ludwig, while Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Linda Motlhalo, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana and Noxolo Cesane made way.
But it was Tanzania who managed to increase their lead with just under five minutes remaining before the final whistle. No matter how much South Africa tried, they just could not find the back of the net.
Ellis said goals win games and they knew what Tanzania was going to do. She said but the two goals they conceded were poor.
“They had two chances and they scored them and won the game. I said before the match that it was going to be a very difficult match, but we also made life difficult for ourselves.
“I felt that all three games were going to be difficult, but a good start would have given us the momentum and now the next match becomes a final before the final, it’s a must-win, and also the game after that. We still have it in us, it wasn’t a good day at the office, we can be better than that,” said Ellis.
She further said they cannot drop any more points and with only two teams progressing to the next round, they have to put their best foot forward. Ellis added that they knew that they had it in them to get positive results and for that, they are disappointed.
“The result was a bitter-sweet moment for Motlhalo who celebrated her 100th appearance in South Africa colours. She joins an illustrious list of 12 other players who have achieved the milestone, including captain Refiloe Jane, Mbane and Lebo Ramalepe, who were all in the starting 11 against Tanzania.
“Linda came into the team back in 2015 and has been in the team ever since. She is someone you can rely on, very creative, very good on the ball and she deserves it. Hopefully she can go further and clock another 50. She has been a tremendous and an ultimate professional, and has carried herself well. I just want to say congratulations to her, and her family can be proud of how much she has given to the game,” she said.
Ellis said Banyana Banyana will now regroup and continue preparations for their clashes against Ivory Coast on Friday and Burkina Faso on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana next take on Ivory Coast who blasted their way to a 4-1 win over Burkina Faso in the other group fixture.
The Guardian 