'It was definitely hot out there, we could have finished it off with a third one' - Desiree Ellis not entirely satisfied despite Banyana Banyana's flying start in WAFCON title defence

Banyana Banyana beat Ghana 2-0 on Monday to kickstart their Women's Africa Cup of Nations title defence on a high.

Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe scored in the first half to hand Desiree Ellis' girls the crucial victory.

Following a second half that yielded no goals, Ellis felt her side should have added to their lead had they buried their chances.

“It was definitely hot out there - not only the weather, but on the pitch as well,” said Ellis post-match. 

“They started well, and had us under pressure in the first 15 minutes. We couldn’t get out of our build-up. But we changed things a bit and then got out.  We started getting on the ball a lot more because that’s our strength.

“I haven’t seen the penalty, though, but I know the foul was inside the box. Sometimes, it goes for you, sometimes it doesn’t.  I think the second goal came at the right time," added the former CAF Women's Coach of the Year. 

"We could have finished it off with a third one - they almost got back into the game. We had a couple of chances.”

Banyana's victory was a statement about their intentions at this tournament which they won in 2022 and are bidding to retain it.

Even without star forward Thembi Kgatlana who withdrew from Ellis' squad, South Africa were still at their best.

Expectations remain high on them as defending champions and following Monday's win.

Up next for Banyana is a meeting with Tanzania in their next Group C match on Friday.

They face the East Africans who opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Mali on Monday.