15 Jul 2022

The Mares of Botswana bowed out of Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) competition with pride, despite losing 1-2 to the Atlas Lioness of Morocco on Wednesday.

Despite the loss, the Mares still play in repêchage, which is an opportunity for the four teams that lost in the quarterfinals to meet.

Two winners would proceeding to an inter-continental play off on Sunday.

Coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang said both the players and the technical team had learnt a lot from the tournament.

“We might have lost three and won one game, but the experience I have gained here as the head coach is immense,” she said.

The coach said going forward they would have to work on handling set pieces as all their opponents’ goals were set pieces.

She said losing 0-2 to Nigeria, who had vast of experience, was a clear indication that had her team prepared more, they could have done better.

She called for more intense preparations ahead of major competitions, saying their preparations for the WAFCON were not adequate, as they only played against the Copper Queens of Zambia and local teams.

Nkutlwisang further said it was also important to invest on coaches’ empowerment. Ends