03 Dec 2017

National Women Under 17  team suffered at the hands of South African girls in the 2018 Women Under 17 World Cup qualifiers in Lobatse Sports Complex over the weekend, losing five- two.

South Africa’s first goal came from Karabo Dlamini’s long shot in the first few minutes of the first half of the game.

The second goal which came in at the 12th minute of first half by Thambolinye Mzoneli was a clear indication that Botswana girls were not yet in the game.

However, the girls despite their jittery performance in the first minutes of the game managed to score from Leungo Senwelo.

Although the two goals from their opponents destabilised their game plan, Botswana picked momentum and played well with hope of winning.

But lack of communication cost them a lot when they scored an own goal, giving South Africa a cushion of   three goals before end of first half.

Second half saw South Africa giving everything to attack and score, while Botswana tried desperately to come back to the game and save the day.

Miche Minnies of South Africa weakened the Botswana side even more when she scored a fourth goal in the 53 th minute.

And Jessica Wade came in with a fifth goal just a short while after their fourth goal.

In the 72 nd minute, there was hope as Senwelo got a penalty but she squandered a chance to score.

However young Senwelo did not give in as she fought for another goal, and on the 87th minute she scored her second.

Coach Odirile Matlhaku acknowledged that the girls did not start off well and that the first goal against them destabilised them as a result giving South Africa room to play.

He also indicated that the girls did not communicate amongst themselves; something which led to the own goal .

However, Matlhaku said he has hope that the girls could do well in the second leg of the game; depending on their preparations for their second encounter with South Africa in two weeks.

South Africa Coach Simphiwe Dludlu said she knew she was playing against a tough team as she witnessed Botswana game against Zambia .

She said given that her girls had never played any international game and some were even nervous of the large pitch as they weere used to small pitches, she had to come for the Botswana/Zambia game so that she devised a proper game plan.

Nevertheless, Dludlu said after this game they cannot celebrate yet but rather to go back home and prepare for next round with Botswana.
 

She said after Botswana/Zambia game, they know that it is possible for Botswana to come back and win in South Africa; therefore she said they cannot be complacent about this win. BOPA