05 Dec 2023

Botswana’s senior women football team, The Mares have booked their ticket to the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 edition to be hosted by Morocco, sending the nation into a celebratory mood.

A solitary strike by Keitumetse Dithebe in the 61st minute was enough as The Mares beat Kenya at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

Refilwe Tholakele received a ball on the 61st minute seven yards from the centre line, drove it about two yards, then released Dithebe who used her left foot to control, drove towards the Kenya goalie, and forced her to leave her goal line and put it past her to send Zebras to the WAFCON finals.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was elated after the team qualified and congratulated them.

The game started on a very high tempo and in the 4th minute, Dithebe had a golden opportunity to open the score sheet but failed to utilize the opportunity.

In the 12th minute, Kenya was awarded a free kick in a dangerous spot but Cynthia Msungu ballooned the ball that did not bother goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija.

The Mares won a corner on the 26th minute, which was well taken by Dithebe and found Golebaone Selebatso’s boot but was denied by the goalkeeper Lillian Awuor.

In the 35th minute, Bosija once gain rose to the occasion to deny Harambee Starlets what could have been a goal, which was well executed by Musungu.

Both teams did not have space to run into to release center forwards, however Harambee Starlets had moments, creating some threats through Mwanalima Jereko and Musungu, as they looked sharp in the last third.

Harambee Starlets were playing with a lot of confidence behind the ball that allowed them to build slowly and allow their key players to advance into danger areas.

On the other hand, The Mares approached their game in a defensive mood, probably looking to defending their away goal they got in Nairobi in the first leg when they drew one all.

The game went into recess with the score sheet reading goalless, as the first half was a very closed game in the midfield for the two teams.

After halftime, both teams launched scintillating attacks but could not find the back of the net, although they both created a lot of scoring opportunities.

In the 52nd minute, Harambee Starlets were awarded a penalty and once again Botswana’s tried and tested goalkeeper Bosija denied Msungu what could have been their opening goal.

Harambee Starlets did not lose hope but continued with their attack searching for an equalizer, but their main enemy was Bosija in The Mares goalpost, who was a marvel to watch. Ends