Young Mares march into lion’s den with belief
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday February 6, 2026 09:20
The two teams will meet in the first leg of the third round of the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at the intimidating Olembe Stadium in Yaounde, with the return leg scheduled for Gaborone a week later.
With only four African slots up for grabs in the 24-team global showpiece to be staged in Poland from September 5 to 27, the stakes could not be higher.
Young Mares are amongst the final 16 teams left standing after receiving a first-round by courtesy of their improved continental and global ranking before edging past Mozambique 3-1 on aggregate in the second round.
A composed 2-0 home victory followed by a gritty 1-1 draw away sealed their passage.
Cameroon, however, arrive breathing fire as the team bulldozed Niger 18-0 over two legs, winning 9-0 both home and away, sending shockwaves across the qualifiers.
Their lethal attacking duo, Beverly Nimpa and Maeva Nyadjou, have combined for eight goals in just 180 minutes; a clear warning shot to the Young Mares.
But skipper Katlo Ditsile stated that Young Mares are travelling as a group of competitors. Speaking ahead of the team’s departure on Wednesday, the captain described a united squad brimming with belief.
“We have been in camp for about a month and I have to believe that we have prepared well to go represent the country. The morale is high and we all know what we came here for,” she said.
“We did well against Mozambique and we want to continue where we left off. We are wishing for a win but we also know it is not going to be easy because it’s an away fixture. Even a draw would be a good result for us.”
Head coach, Tapaphiwa ‘Marumo’ Gaebolae echoed the captain’s confidence, revealing that her side heads into the clash with no injury concerns and a clear tactical plan.
“We have done everything that we can. We have studied Cameroon, and we know it will not be easy, but we are going to fight with everything that we have,” Gaebolae said.
“All 18 players travelling are fit. The medical report is clear and I believe the girls will give their best.” Kick-off is set for 5pm (Botswana time).
Meanwhile, the senior Mares have been drawn into a tough Group B for the rescheduled 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship set for Polokwane, South Africa from February 18 to March 21.
Botswana will face regional heavyweights Zambia, alongside Eswatini and Zimbabwe in what promises to be a bruising group. Group A features hosts South Africa, Malawi, Lesotho, and Angola, whilst Mozambique, Namibia, and Madagascar complete the remaining pool.
Travelling Under-20 Squad
Goalkeepers: Gosego Mokola (Galaxy), Wame Chakalisa (GU)
Defenders: Priscilla Moseki, Olesego Mac-Mbulawa (Mogoditshane CSE), Rose Modumo (Rollers), Mmabatho Serokane (Makufa FC), Lorato Ebineng (Wonder Girls), Ivy Mankgatau (Orapa All Stars), Tshepiso Marogwe (GU)
Midfielders: Hope Lesotlo (Dumanis & Daughters), Shirley Tokonyane (Double Action), Fionah Hetu (Orapa United), Botlhe Bagotsi (GU)
Forwards: Lebogang Dilelo (Dumanis & Daughters), Bridgete Setuke (Systems), Mbapeua Hangara, Keotshepile Kesetse (Double Action), Katlo Ditsile (Zodiac Collab Girls)