Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis believes that if the team gets the counter-attacking game correct against Argentina then South Africa will score goals. Both teams need a result in the Friday encounter to keep their FIFA Women’s World Cup journeys alive.
“We know that a lot of our goals are scored on the counter-attack and that is one of our strengths. If we can get that right, we will score goals tomorrow,” Coach Des told a pre-match press conference.
Banyana Banyana lost 2-1 to a superior Sweden in the opening match, but Desiree was happy with the defensive performance of the team. Sweden peppered South Africa with crosses and Banyana held out until the final minutes of the game. The coach wants the same defensive prowess against Argentina.
“So the first thing is not to concede. We were very happy in the Sweden match because in some of the games we conceded early. Leading up to the World Cup we worked a lot on that, making sure we stay compact, that we stay really defensively organised for the first 15 to 20 minutes,” explained Ellis.
The award-winning coach also expressed hope that her players will protect the ball better, and make better decisions in the final third of the pitch. A loss for either nation will mean an early flight back home.
“It’s more than just historical, it’s a game we must win,” stressed Desiree Ellis.