With a roar of triumph, the Botswana senior women's football team sails into the second round of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Mares proved to have strong ambitions as they decimated Gabon in the second leg, with a final score of 6-0. The Mares Head coach Mohambi Saulosi said they are ready to do well and their eyes set on glory in the coming matches.
Having conquered the first round qualifiers, the Mares have earned a spot in the second round of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, facing off against Kenya in their next match. This round will be fierce, as the winner will advance to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco next year. It's do or die for the Mares, and they'll need to bring their A-game to prevail over Kenya and claim their spot at the tournament.
Coach's Mohambi Saulosi words were full of pride and hope for the future. "We are delighted with the team's progress and their performance today. The Mares have worked hard and it's paying off. Now, we turn our attention to the next challenge and will do everything in our power to be ready for it. Our sights are set on success, and we'll give it our all to achieve it," Saulosi said.
According to the coach, the team had performed well but there was room for improvement. He stressed the need for accurate passing and a clinical approach in front of goal, as well as greater organization and compactness in defense.
"We want to play as a cohesive team, and focus on our teamwork and tactics, Our goal is to qualify for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournament. We know it will be a difficult task, but we are up for the challenge. We will work hard and prepare thoroughly in order to give ourselves the best chance of success" Coach mentioned.
The Mares had an impressive performance against Gabon, scoring six goals in total. Lesego Radiakanyo, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, Nancy Baeletsi, Keitumetse Dithebe, and Lone Gaofetoge each contributed a goal, with the Mares dominating the game and clearly outclassing their opponents. The first leg of the tournament ended with the Mares winning 4-1 in Gabon, and they went on to win the second leg with a resounding 10-1 aggregate score.
The team:Maitumelo Sedilame Boseja
Kesegofetse Mochawe
Masego Montsho
Tholakele Refilwe Tebogo
Lone Gaofetoge
Lesego Duduetsang Radiakanyo
Keitumetse Dithebe
Veronica Mogotsi
Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse
Annah Nametso Ontlametse
