Banyana seek positives after 6-0 Brazil thumping: 'Come World Cup, we will be way better'

Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) champions Banyana Banyana were humbled by the South American champions Brazil as they fell to a 6-0 defeat at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday evening.  

The tourists arrived in South Africa last week for two international friendlies with the first meeting taking place on Friday, ending in a 3-0 win for the visitors at Orlando Stadium. 

It was expected that Banyana Banyana would be more prepared for their opponents this time around, however those hopes were soon extinguished as Brazilian forward Adriana opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute to get the ball rolling.

A further five goals would follow courtesy of Debora de Oliveira (2), Beatriz Zaneratto João, Duda Francelino and Kathellen Feitoza.

Despite the thumping result, Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis strongly believes that her charges will only become a better unit if they continue to play against quality teams such as Brazil.

"More of these matches will definitely test us," Ellis told reporters during the post match press conference.

"We take the learning out of this and we try to improve with our fitness, with our technical ability, tactical ability because we have shown in certain moments that we can play against these top teams." 

Ellis believes the players have now woken up and realise where they need to improve in preparation for the Women's World Cup in July and August next year, jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia. 

The 59-year-old reveals that she spoke candidly with her side about the demands of playing at a World Cup compared to playing in Wafcon.

"When I spoke to the players, I spoke about Wafcon and said 'if you think that's the intensity you will be facing then you highly mistaken,