Paris 2024 Qualifiers: Banyana coach Desiree Ellis banks on Pretoria altitude vs Nigeria

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Desiree Ellis, the head coach of the African champions, has shed light on the decision to host the home leg in Pretoria ahead of the crucial Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers next month against Nigeria.

Tickets for the return leg in Pretoria went on sale on Thursday, with fans encouraged to fill the stadium for the pivotal match and Ellis is optimistic that the venue will provide a significant advantage to her team.

“We considered the altitude as well. We aim to capitalize on that,” Ellis revealed to SABC Sports.

“Hopefully, the home support can boost us in the first 15 to 20 minutes.

“In Johannesburg, we played Equatorial Guinea and drew 0-0, but in the second half, they struggled.

“We are banking on it being advantageous for us.”

With Banyana Banyana and the Super Falcons already aware of their group opponents should they qualify for the Olympics, both teams are now focused on securing their places.

South Africa is striving to qualify for the women’s football event at the Olympics for the second time, while Nigeria aims to make its fourth appearance and first since 2008.