'We created the better chances' - Ellis on gallant Banyana

Head coach Desiree Ellis drew plenty of positives from Banyana Banyana's narrow 2-1 defeat to 2023 World Cup finalists England on Tuesday night.

Despite a spirited effort, South Africa succumbed to world number two ranked England in an international friendly played at the Coventry Building Complex Arena. 

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Banyana conceded twice in the first half via goals from Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton.

Although Ellis' troops were dominated, only enjoying 29% of overall ball possession, they were as equally threatening as their higher-ranked opposition.

The visitors landed four shots on target in the 90 minutes, the same amount as England did at the opposite end of the field.

Speaking to SAFA media after the match, the coach said she was pleased with the African champions' effort.

"There were a lot of things we didn't do right against Denmark, because they played similarly [to England], with overloading on the sides and switching of play, and obviously aerial ability," Ellis said.

"I thought the first few minutes of the game we gave set-pieces away, they scored one. The second goal... We speak about winning the second ball, winning the third ball, we didn't do that.

"But we rectified it, we brought on players that we felt could make a difference. We had some really good chances in the first half, but we had some chances as well in the second half.

"If you look at it, we had a couple of chances from open play and we are very happy with that. We always say we look for improvement in all areas and tonight we had that improved performance.

"Defensively, we were well organised, players put their bodies on the line, we had good chances," she continued.

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Ellis, though, bemoaned the fact Banyana had one day to prepare for the Denmark game and one day to prepare for the England fixture, as well as matchday minus one with both. 

"But I thought the players were magnificent today and I thought the South Africans that came out here should be really proud as well. No one goes out on the field to lose.

"The 5-0 result is not what we wanted, but that happens sometimes when you don't do the right things at the field and a lot of these things we did right today (against England). We cut out the crosses, closed the insides. 

"We forced them back into errors and we created better chances, but this job is not finished yet because we still have a lot of work to do."

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