By Daily Sports Nigeria on July 23, 2025

South Africa coach Desire Ellis dismissed insinuations that the Banyana Banyana wanted to stretch Nigeria into penalty shootouts during their 2024 WAFCON semi-final clash in Casablanca on Tuesday, after falling to a 2-1 defeat, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The defending champions suffered a stoppage-time heartbreak against Nigeria, after an intended cross from Michelle Alozie missed every contender and went straight into the net, leaving the South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini helpless.

Nigeria beat the half-time whistle to take the lead when captain Rasheedat Ajibade beat Dlamini from the penalty spot.

South Africa got themselves back into the game on the hour mark, also via a penalty when Osinachi Ohale pulled down Hildah Magaia inside the box and Linda Motlhalo converted from the spot.

 It seemed the game was heading into extra-time when the Super Falcons sealed the win in stoppage time, but Ellis claimed South Africa wanted to win it in open play.

“We wanted to win. If we had taken our chances, we could have won the game,” the coach said at the post-match presser.

South Africa who beat Nigeria during the group stage of the 2022 edition are also the first team to score against Nigeria at the tournament.

Ellis has taken charge of Banyana at five WAFCON tournaments, but it was the end of the road for the defending champions in Morocco.

Source Punch Ng

Posted July 23, 2025

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