South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis praised her players after their tense win against Senegal in the WAFCON 2024 quarter-finals, Isagoal can report.
In a statement published by Soccernet.ng, Ellis admitted her team expected a tough game from Senegal and prepared thoroughly for penalties.
South Africa created numerous chances but couldn’t convert during regular play, eventually winning 4-1 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in Oujda.
“We didn’t expect anything less,” Ellis said. “Senegal has improved from the last time we played them, and the coach has done a fantastic job.”
The reigning champions were clinical from the spot, while Senegal missed twice, sending Banyana Banyana to the semi-final against Nigeria.
“This was our first penalty shootout victory in WAFCON – we lost in 2006 and 2018. I don’t have enough words to describe this team,” Ellis added.
She praised goalkeeper Andile Dlamini’s crucial saves and credited the team’s preparation for the shootout win.
On Nigeria, Ellis said, “We are not thinking about Nigeria right now. We’ll think about the next match tomorrow. Let’s celebrate what we’ve done.”
Nigeria beat Zambia 5-0 in their quarter-final and previously edged South Africa in the Olympic qualifiers, building momentum ahead of the anticipated semi-final.
This article was updated 2 weeks ago