South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis has revealed the secret to her side’s victory over Nigeria in the final of the maiden edition of Aisha Buhari Cup, reports Completesports.com.
The Banyana Banyana defeated the African champions 4-2 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Tuesday to claim the title.
“We have got footage of them (Nigeria) playing at the Turkish Women’s Cup, different positions, playing in the Summer Series, in different positions also watched the game against Mali and we analyzed them really well, although a few people take analysis for granted, but it has helped us,” Ellis told CAFonline.com.
“At a tournament (COSAFA Women’s Cup) last year, the analysis helped the players understood what they were up against, we knew they could go with from on set or change into two, we knew the strength of the players.
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“So we made sure the players understood what they were up against, but we didn’t focus too much on that, we focused on what was information, we gave them little information about our opposition and made sure our plans were executed today (Tuesday).”
Despite the latest feat, Ellis insists the shock triumph do not earn Banyana the best women’s team status in Africa.
“I think on victory doesn’t make you the best team, especially a victory against a team as Nigeria, who have consistently over the years shown they are one of the top teams,” she admitted.
“We can also be consistent in beating big teams and getting those victories, but we must also grow, talking about AFCON, it is our ambition to win it, we came close to it in 2018.
“Also, this victory shows to us that we are capable, but we have to be consistent in winning. You saw what happened coming from the 2019 Women’s World Cup, losing to Botswana in the Olympics qualifiers. So, we are not there, yes, we won this Cup but we are not the best yet, I think the Women’s AFCON would change it.”
2 Comments
That is my girl made in South Africa Coach teach the American Nigeria coach about Africa.
Obviously did her homework well although I also have to point out that her team were technically superior,tactically astute than chaotic super falcons