Despite beating Super Falcons 4-2 in an invitational tournament less than less than a year ago, head Coach of Bayana Bayana of South Africa Desiree Ellis says beating Falcons in serious encounter is never a tea party.
She was reacting following the recent WAFCON draw which pitched Super Eagles against their South African counterparts in Group C where they will also face Burundi and Botswana.
The former Tottenham ladies player and coach bared her mind in a chat with CAFOnline.com.
“Well we always knew the draw was not going to be easy. Nigeria, the defending champions and multiple winners always bring their A game and know what it takes to win,”
“We have played them a few times in the group stages. They have raised their levels and we have to raise our levels even higher to get a positive result. The first game is the most important game and once again we need a positive result but it will take a huge effort.
“Anything that has come before is history but it has shown us what we are capable of and has given us confidence and belief. As I said earlier we have played them many times in the group stages and this will be no different especially with this being an opening group match which is similar to 2018.
“We will need a huge effort to get a positive result. The first game is the most important of any tournament and getting a positive result is very important but we know that it’s not going to be an easy game. Actually, it’s going to be a very difficult game.”
Ellis who made 32 appearances for Bayana Bayana with six goals to her credit will be hoping to outshine Super Falcons American coach Randy Waldrum when the battle begins in the next two months.
Ellis who boasts of numerous awards in her kitty it will be recalled left a unique record while playing for the national team featuring in the team’s first international match. She played against Swaziland at the remarkable age of 30 on 30 May 1993 winning 14–0 in what some soccer fans had dubbed then operation 30-30-14.
Morocco will host the competition from July 2nd to July 25.
