Sports
‘We Showed Our Quality’: Desiree Ellis Lauds Banyana’s Ruthless Win Over Mali

South Africa’s defending WAFCON champions didn’t just win against Mali, they sent a message.
In what was arguably their most polished performance of the tournament so far, Banyana Banyana romped to a 4-0 victory over Mali in their final group stage clash at Honneur Stadium, leaving head coach Desiree Ellis visibly proud — and quietly relieved.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that South Africa came to make a statement. Lebogang Ramalepe’s right-footed rocket found the net within just five minutes, setting the tone for a night of precision, pace and power.
Turning the tide with intent
Speaking after the match, Ellis acknowledged the slow starts that marred Banyana’s previous games, but credited her team for rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
“We wanted to fix what went wrong earlier,” said Ellis. “The players worked hard all week. We looked at what needed improvement, and tonight, we showed our quality.”
South Africa had drawn criticism for their less-than-convincing performances against Tanzania and Mali earlier in the group stage. But this dominant display — both on the scoreboard and in the run of play — silenced doubters and sparked renewed hope among fans back home.
Bench brilliance: Donnelly delivers
Among the night’s standout moments was Ronnel Donnelly’s debut goal. Coming off the bench and finding the back of the net in her first WAFCON appearance, the striker added the cherry on top of an already electric performance.
“I’m very pleased for Ronnel,” said Ellis. “A debut goal is always special. We’ve been working closely with her in training, and it’s great to see that pay off.”
Her impact wasn’t just symbolic — it was strategic. The goal helped seal the result while also proving the depth of South Africa’s bench, something Ellis says is crucial heading into the knockout rounds.
Rotating for longevity
Ellis also addressed the changes in her starting line-ups throughout the tournament, noting that rotating players is about more than giving others a chance — it’s about smart tournament management.
“It’s not new — we did the same thing in 2022. It’s about keeping players fresh and managing our energy for the long haul.”
As WAFCON progresses, that long game becomes more important than ever. The physical and mental toll of tournament football can derail even the most talented sides. For Ellis and her technical team, the strategy is clear: build momentum, keep legs fresh, and create chances that count.
Fans reignited: ‘This is the Banyana we know!’
South African fans took to social media in celebration, with “Banyana” trending on X (formerly Twitter) just minutes after the final whistle. One fan wrote, “This is the Banyana we know and love — fierce, focused and fabulous!” Others praised Ellis for her tactical acumen and calm leadership under pressure.
The vibe from the national camp? One of renewed belief.
Eyes on the prize
With the quarterfinals looming, Banyana Banyana’s emphatic win over Mali is more than just three points — it’s a signal that the champions are hitting their stride at just the right moment.
“We’re not done yet,” said Ellis. “We want to keep this form going. We’ve got work to do, but this performance gives us confidence.”
As the knockout stage draws near, South Africans will be watching closely. If this match was a taste of what’s to come, the rest of WAFCON 2025 might just belong to Banyana Banyana — again.
Source:Sabc Sport
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