South Africa coach Des Ellis believes the team has what it takes to overcome Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations after both teams were drawn in the same group.
The Bayana-Bayana as they are fondly called would be hoping to qualify for their first ever World Cup appearance in a group that also consists of Zambia and Kenya.
However, Ellis revealed that they are prepared to beat the Super Falcons in order to actualize their World Cup dream.
“Nigeria has won this tournament a record 10 times and they are the defending champions, so they will definitely be sensing victory against us.
“But we are glad to be meeting them now and not later in the tournament because our last encounter ended in tears for us. We lost 1-0 in the semifinal of this competition in 2016, and that denied us a chance to be at the World Cup.
“Playing them in the first match is also a tricky affair because you have to be on top of your game from the first whistle, and any mistake they will punish you.
“In any case, I always tell the players that the first fixtures of any tournament are very important as they set the tone for the rest of the competition. I believe we will be ready for them this time – we are much wiser.”
