Desiree Ellis expected Malawi to be difficult before they faced them in their COSAFA Women’s Championship opener at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday afternoon.
Banyana Banyana emerged 2-1 winners courtesy of goals by Melinda Kgadiete and Noxolo Cesane while Wezzie Mvula scored for the Malawians.
“We always knew that it was going to be a difficult game. They are a physical team and they showed right from the onset how physical they can be. We played right into their hands at times by not releasing the ball quicker , by not moving the ball around quicker,” the Banyana Banyana coach said.
The 58-year-old coach added that taking an early lead helped her players settle easily during the match.
“We scored early something which made us settle down. We had a few other good opportunities. In the second half we knew they wouldn’t stop running. We didn’t make good decisions at times when players were in good positions,” Ellis concluded.
Banyana Banyana are going to face Mozambique in their second match of the tournament at the Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha on Friday (15h30).
