22 Mar 2015

Botswana Senior Women’s team-The Mares lost 0-1 to their South African counterpart Banyana-Banyana in a 2015 All Africa qualifiers game played at Molepolole on Saturday March 21.

The solo goal was converted by Banyana central midfielder, Sana Mollo on the 28the minute of the game.

During the game, the Mares were awarded a free kick in the opening minutes but Kesegofetse Mochawe failed to put more power to it, and it was an easy catch for Banyana goalkeeper Roxanne Barker.

The Mares squandered golden scoring opportunity again on the second minute of the game when Thuto Ramafifi failed to convert an early goal. On the other hand, Banyana Banyana continued to move forward equally looking for an early goal, but the Mares defence marshaled by captain Bonang ‘Bebeto’ Otlhagile was equally on the alert.

However, on the 28th minute of the game, Banyana Banyana managed to score an easy goal, through Sana Mollo to make it 1-0. The Mares tried very hard to react, but lack of composure and communication in the box was their main enemy on the day.

Again, there was a lot of vacuum in their midfield, Thuso Lesaane and Lebogang Setereke fell short to coordinate their department very well. Just before half time, Ramafifi’s attempt was thwarted by Banyana Banyana goal keeper, and the game went into recess with the visitors leading 1-0.

After half time, the Mares changed their game plan, because they came more offensive and on the 70th minute, Refilwe Tholakele took a good long range out of the eighteenth area, but it hit the goal post.

The Mares suffered a setback, on the 75th minute after their captain Bebeto who seemed to have been playing with an injury could not take it anymore, she was replaced by Nondi Mahlasela, who also did not disappoint Batswana who came in large numbers to watch the game.

The game ended with 1-0 and the Mares coach, Ronaldo Gaolethoo, said her side played very well and their counterpart came with a good game plan of playing 4-3-3- formation which made it difficult for her players to fully execute their play.

She said in their next game they would try to sharpen and utilise their scoring opportunity, as well as good communication amongst the players. Gaolethoo, who was using young players, said she needs more international games for the players to get exposure.

Her counterpart, Vera Pauw said her opponents are taller and fit, therefore in the second leg her team would have to work very hard.

She said for them to beat the Mares in the second leg they would have to be fast on the ball lest their opponents boot them out of the qualifiers.

“Botswana played very well, it was like a final, they did not give anything away, we need to work hard and the fact that we have an away goal, does not mean we are going to take them for granted, they are strong opponents,’” she said.

Banyana Banyana solo goal scorer, Mollo told BOPA after the game that, the Mares gave them a scare on the day, given that they did not expect such a strong encounter from their opponents.

She said she was happy that, despite the tough game they managed to score an important away game that has ultimately encouraged them to put more extra effort in the return leg that will be played in South Africa.

“This game was very important game for us because we were playing away, therefore we needed a win by all means, and I am happy we played very well on the day, if you look at our opponents they executed themselves very well”

She however praised the Mares saying they managed to apply themselves very well, for the reason that they were always first on the ball, making it difficult for her team to play their normal game.

“Honestly we were not expecting such as challenge, given the last result when we played against them, this time they played very well and it shows they really wanted it, as bad as we wanted it, but at the end of the we managed to score a solo goal, that is what is important for us” she said.

The second leg will be played on April 10 in South Africa, and expectations are that the local girls would reverse the score line.  ENDS