01 Mar 2020

Botswana under 17 girls national team suffered a 1-0 defeat against Morocco in the World Cup qualifier first round, first leg encounter played at the National Stadium on Friday

A defensive blunder by Botswana saw Morocco scoring an early goal in the 23^rd minute through their dangerous player, Salma Tammar to unsettle the hosts.

Botswana’s undoing in the first half was failing to press their opponents moving forward, thus making the visitors to frequent the goal posts.

As the game progressed Botswana tried to retaliate, but failure to gel in the midfield cost them a lot of opportunities.

The game went into recess with the score board reading 1-0. After recess the local girls upped their game looking for an equaliser, but Morocco did not budge  because they knew the importance of protecting their away goal.

Coach Tapaphiwa Gaebolae said despite losing the game, she was happy with her teams fighting spirit.

She said her players failed to control the pace of the game in the first half as they had planned during training.

“Maybe it was due to pressure on the players, but in the second half after the technical team had a talk with them they tried to relax and they managed to complete some touches going forward,” she said.

Gaebolae further said the game was not yet over, as they still have a second leg against Morocco, adding that they now know Morocco’s style of play.

She said she was confident that they could overcome their opponents in their own turf, adding that all they need to do was to motivate the players.

Morocco’s technical director, Kelly Lindsley said she was happy that they managed to score an away goal.

She said Botswana has good players who have potential, adding that they would not rest on their laurels in the second leg, but would prepare extensively for Botswana.

The second leg will be played in a fortnight in Morocco. ENDS