15 Nov 2020

Thanda Mokgabo’s late strike was not enough to hand Botswana senior women national team a COSAFA championship title.

Botswana lost 1-2 to South Africa in a final played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on November 14.

Botswana won a silver medal, after cruising past Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia. 

In opening minutes of the match, Botswana’s defence was caught napping and the hosts’ Sibulele Holweni grabbed  this opportunity to give her side an early goal.

In the 19th minute, Botswana won a free-kick after Mapula Kgoale tackled Lesego Radiakanyo.

However, Lone ‘Motsadi’ Gaofetoge did not put this chance to good use.

Banyana Banyana continued moving forward looking for a cushion goal and Hildah Magaia squandered a golden opportunity that could have given her side a comfortable lead.

As the game progressed, Botswana pulled together and put pressure on the opponents’ defence. 

The team nearly got a reward for its hard work on the 24th minute, but Radiakanyo’s header was dealt with by South Africa’s goal minder, Andile Dlamini.

 Botswana could have levelled the scoreline just before the break but Dlamini saved Nondli Mahlasela’s strike. 

When the second half resumed, Botswana came back a better team but Dlamini stood between the team and scoring goals. 

Coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang made a double substitution in the 61st minute, pulling out Masego Mfandiso and Mahlasela and introduced Michelle Abueng and Esalenna Galekhutlhe.

 In the 65th minute, Gabriela Salgado dashed Botswana’s hopes of coming back after she scored a second goal to make it 2-0 for the hosts.

However, Botswana reduced the margin to 2-1 in the 86th minute, thanks to Mokgabo who followed up a ball from Refilwe Tholakelo.

Assistant coach, Alex Malete said in an interview that it was a difficult game for them given that the team started by conceding an early goal.

He said they changed their plan after the break as they pressed high and took a risk of opening up spaces at the back.

Furthermore, Malete said their opponents came into the game knowing that Botswana was one of the best teams in defence.

“The idea was to unlock us and they also changed the formation to 4-4-3, something that we expected,” she said.

Malete, however, said there was no doubt that his players played well in the second half given that they also won a lot of aerial balls. 

Meanwhile, Botswana goalkeeper, Sedilame Bosija, won the golden glove, player of the tournament went to South Africa’s Hildah Magaia and her teammate Sibulele Holweni won the Golden Boot after scoring eight goals. Ends