On cloud nine: Banyana Banyana coach banks on altitude advantage in 2024 Olympic qualifier v Nigeria

South Africa's Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis, is looking to leverage both home advantage and altitude to her team's benefit as they prepare to face Nigeria's Super Falcons in a crucial Olympic qualifier.

The first leg will be played in Nigeria's Moshood Abiola National Stadium on April 5th, with the return leg scheduled for Loftus Stadium in South Africa on April 9th. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, the former Banyana Banyana captain highlighted the strategic importance of the high altitude at Loftus Stadium whilst pointing to a recent turning point for the Banyana Banyana at the Aisha Buhari Cup in 2023.

The 61-year-old also acknowledged the significance of the upcoming matches against theSuper Falcons whilst emphasizing the 'winner takes all' nature of the double header.

"We looked at the altitude, we have to make sure that we take advantage of that and hopefully it can help us especially within the first 15/20 minutes into the game," Desiree Ellis said.

 "I think our biggest turning point was the Aisha Buhari Cup and some of our key players were not available for that fixture, but with the type of football we played - belief set in, and this shows that this team is not afraid of anyone.

"So all of us know what a big game it is, having missed the 2020 Olympics same with Nigeria, but now who wants it the most?"

Both teams are hungry to qualify for the Olympics, with the reigning African champions, South Africa, missing out on the last edition in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, the Super Falcons have endured a 16-year absence from the Games with their last appearance coming at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Ejim Kaycee

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