02 May 2022

The Mares have been drawn in a tricky and tough Group C for their maiden appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The draw was conducted on Friday and the senior women’s national team will face defending champions Nigeria, Burundi and neighbours South Africa.

The Mares first game will be against Burundi on July 4, three days later they will face Nigeria before completing their group games against Banyana Banyana of South Africa on July 10.

The Mares coach, Gaolethoo Nkutwisang admitted that they were drawn in a tough group that she termed ‘the group of death’. 

She said it would attract a lot of attention from all corners of the continent. She also said they needed intense preparations and friendly matches with experienced opponents.

“I am happy with the draw and the onus is now on the Botswana Football Association and the country to ensure that our preparations will enable us to compete,” she said.

In other groups, the hosts Morocco are in Group A with Burkina Faso, Senegal and Uganda. Group B has Cameroon, Zambia, Tunisia and Togo.

The four semi-finalists of the tournament will qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. ENDS