Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has stressed the importance of her team scoring goals in the remaining two must-win fixtures to progress to the quarterfinals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) under way in Morocco. Her strong sentiments followed a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania last night – yesterday in their opening Group B match played at the Moulay Rachid Stadium.

South Africa’s remaining matches are Ivory Coast on Friday (19:00) and Burkina Faso next Tuesday, 4 August (22:00). Ivory Coast are topping the standings following a 4-1 demolition of Burkina Faso, while Tanzania are second after their narrow win over South Africa.

Banyana Banyana’s experienced defender Bambanani Mbane scored the only goal in the first half, while Tanzania’s goals came from Diana Msewa and Hasnath Ubamba in the first half and at the death respectively.

“Goals win games, we knew what Tanzania was going to do, but the two goals we conceded were poor. They had two chances and they scored them and won the game. I said before the match that it was going to be a difficult match, but we also made life difficult for ourselves,” said Ellis, who is confident that her charges will bounce back.

The situation demands the former Banyana Banyana skipper r charges to be ruthless in the two crucial matches, given goals are key in scenario where teams finish on same points. Banyana Banyana’s striking department lacked the firepower and killer instinct in front of the goals – despite having a blend of experienced overseas players. However, Ellis pointed out that she had anticipated tough matches.

“I felt that all three games were going to be difficult, but a good start would have given us the momentum and now the next match becomes a final before the final, it’s a must-win, and also the game after that. We still have it in us, it wasn’t a good day at the office, we can be better than that.”

Ellis emphasised the need for the players to rise to the occasion. “We cannot drop any more points and with only two teams progressing to the next round, we have to put our best foot forward. We knew that we had it in us to get positive results, and for that we are disappointed,” said the former Banyana Banyana skipper.

The situation demands that Ellis charges to be more organised in defense and ruthless too upfront in the two crucial matches, given goals are key in a scenario where teams finish on the same points. Goal difference and goals scored are the main tie-breakers when teams finish with the same number of points.

A goal in each half saw the Twiga Stars emerge victorious in an encounter where South Africa had many chances but were unable to convert. The East Africans took the lead in the 38th minute through Msewa. No matter how much Banyana Banyana tried, they just could not find the back of the net.

The result against Tanzania puts South Africa on the back foot in the tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semifinalists automatically book their tickets to the global showpiece, while two losing quarterfinalists will advance to the intercontinental play-offs.