Banyana trashed by USA; Fans divided on Desiree Ellis

Banyana Banyana went down 3-0 againt the United States of America in an international friendly match played at the TQL Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

The African champions played their first game since reaching the round of 16 for the first time in August at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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USA too strong for Banyana

Depsite a good start to the match, Desiree Ellis’ charges went 1-0 down when US’s Lynn Williams’ opened the scoring for the home side. There was a noticeable lapse in concentration after Williams’ goal and the Americans quickly extended their lead two minutes later when Trinity Rodman slotted past South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.

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Williams completed her brace just before halftime and the home side was firmly in the driving seat at the break.

Banyana had a few chances in the second-half but failed to trouble the US defence as they went on to win 3-0 in what was a one-sided affair.

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After the match, Ellis told www.safa.net that the team suffered a lapse in concentration.

“We always speak about picking up and if you look at the first goal, we did not pick up. You look at the second goal, marking on the wrong side and it came quickly after the first goal. Even the third goal, we didn’t pick up and those are moments of lapses of concentration,” said the Banyana coach.

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They must fire Desiree Ellis before the Olympic qualification because there’s nothing she can achieve with this team anymore, she has reached her ceiling https://t.co/Vsgk6WsW8p

— Gubz (@VhoGubz) September 22, 2023

Banyana will travel to Chicago on Friday morning and take on the USA on Sunday the 24th in what will serve as a farewell match for U.S. Women’s national soccer team legend Megan Rapinoe.

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Banyana fans were not happy with the defeat, with some calling for Ellis to vacate her position as Banyana coach.

Desiree Ellis doesn't care as long as you were in wafcon squad she'll call you whether they're players who are better than you abroad she'll still call you look kgadiete doesn't play in Sundowns but she's there while morifi and abroad players are not called

— Emmanuel (@Emmanue15085661) September 22, 2023

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