The Botswana women’s national football team, The Mares, made a powerful statement at the ongoing Total Energies CAF 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by defeating Tunisia 2-1 in a tightly contested Group B encounter played in Morocco yesterday.
The Mares defeated Tunisia with an injury-time goal by Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, sending its supporters in the stadium and back at home into jubilation. The win keeps the dream of progressing into the quarter-finals alive. As for the game, Morocco dominated the better part of the match and were the first to draw first blood before recess, with Yesmin Khunchouch hitting the back of the net. In the 66th minute, Botswana pulled one back through Lesego Radiakanyo.
The Mares’ win marks Botswana’s first victory in the 2024 WAFCON, after succumbing to two defeats against Algeria and Nigeria, respectively. Botswana lost to Algeria 1-0 on 6 July at a game played at the Pere Jego stadium, Casablanca. Subsequently, the team was defeated by Nigeria 1-0 on 10 July at a game played under floodlights at the Larbi Zaouli stadium, Casablanca. Despite holding their own for most of the game, Nigeria did manage to break the deadlock in the dying minutes of the game.
However, the win against Tunisia has boosted Botswana’s chances of proceeding to the next round as the nation holds its breath to see if it advances as part of the best third-placed teams. That very much would lie hugely on the Group C encounter between Ghana and Tanzania, which has to end as a draw to favour Botswana. Meanwhile, Algeria held Nigeria to a stalemate to clinch the quarter-finals. The Mares are third placed with three points from all the encounters.
Speaking in a pre-match interview, head coach Alex Malete said their mission was to qualify for the quarter-finals. Although now all that relies on lady luck, the Mares have given a good account of themselves, making a statement that they are no longer just mere participants but able to compete. Over the years, the team has demonstrated sheer commitment and dedication to national duty when it matters the most.
