Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has expressed her side’s desire to bounce back following a tough 3-0 loss to Jamaica in the first of two international friendly matches on Saturday.
The loss to Jamaica marked Banyana's third defeat in a row, following their loss to England and Denmark during their mini European tour last month.
The reigning African champions will once again lock horns against the ‘Reggae Girlz’ on Tuesday at the Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay.
The two matches are also part of Banyana’s preparations for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they have been drawn in a tricky group alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.
“We had a great video analysis session with the players, and we know that going into the second match we will have to be aggressive upfront. We are good at creating chances and staying compact at the back, but it will be important that we make use of our chances," Ellis said.
The Banyana coach also emphasised that the primary goal of the two matches was to assess new talent, adding that she would continue to give many players the opportunity to stake their claim in the side ahead of the continental showpiece.
“One of the main reasons for these matches was to see new players, and we will continue to give as many players as possible a chance to play, but this is also always dictated by the match itself.
“We are looking for an improved performance tomorrow, as we are still preparing for next year’s WAFCON,” Ellis concluded.
IOL Sport