The reigning champions fell short in a dramatic encounter at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, with Nigeria clinching victory through a stoppage-time strike from defender Michelle Alozie.
The game had seen both sides trade penalty goals—Rasheedat Ajibade put Nigeria ahead just before the break, while Linda Motlhalo equalised for South Africa from the spot in the second half.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ellis lamented her team’s missed opportunities.
“We wanted to win. If we had taken our chances, we could have won the game,” she said.
Despite the setback, Banyana Banyana will now turn their focus to the third-place match where they will face the Black Queens of Ghana on Friday.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, meanwhile, advance to the WAFCON final, where they will battle the winner of the other semi-final clash between Morocco and Ghana.