Soccer: Ellis sees Japan friendlies as key WAFCON test [SOUND]

# Soccer: Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says the team’s back-to-back international friendlies against Japan in Osaka on Saturday and Tuesday will be a vital test ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Ellis believes facing the fifth-ranked Asian champions will help assess her squad’s tactical discipline, defensive organisation and match fitness. She says Japan’s possession-based style offers a different challenge testing the players’ adaptability and mental strength: