BDF XI shoot down champions, seize Southern Stream high ground

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday March 3, 2026 12:20

But head coach, Alfred Moswetsi insists that the title war is far from being won. BDF XI stunned Red Roses, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in a BH National Women’s First Division League Southern Stream clash played at the SSKB grounds on Saturday afternoon.

Moswetsi however, believes the march to the championship remains a long campaign despite his side collecting maximum points against the reigning champions over the weekend.

It was a victory to savour for Moswetsi and his troops, who successfully halted Red Roses’ remarkable winning streak stretching back to their Division 2 days in the 2022-2023 season.

The Carmo Girls now move seven points clear at the top of the table with two games remaining before the halfway mark of the campaign.

BDF XI have played two matches more than second-placed GU and third-placed Double Action, both widely tipped to mount a serious charge for the Southern Stream crown. Moswetsi, though pleased with the scalp, remains grounded and focused on the bigger mission.

“The road is still long, we have not yet won the league, a win against GU does not mean we have won the league. We are still left with some games until the end of the first leg and we will give each team that respect. This does mean that now that we have beaten GU our (performance) graph should now go down, it should go up,” said Moswetsi.

Built on a disciplined defensive structure, BDF XI once again showcased their tactical organisation. Yet, Moswetsi admits there is room for improvement, particularly in the final third where their conversion rate needs sharpening.

That shortcoming was evident despite a dominant start. Roared on by the home support, BDF XI took the battle to GU from the first whistle, pressing high and disrupting the champions’ rhythm.

The Red Roses struggled to settle into their usual flow on the SSKB surface, allowing the hosts to dictate early proceedings.

After a succession of near attempts, the breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute. Precious Tlhapi’s free kick struck the upright before ricocheting off the goalkeeper’s back and into the net, a fortunate but deserved reward for sustained pressure.

BDF XI carried their slender lead into the break and nearly doubled their advantage moments after the restart. Boemo Sebako’s half-volley rattled the upright with the GU defence caught flat-footed.

From that point, Red Roses launched waves of attacks in search of an equaliser, but BDF XI stood firm. Their backline absorbed the pressure with composure and resilience, repelling the champions’ advances to secure maximum points and tighten their grip at the summit.

The Teams

BDF: Marylin John, Katlo Marks, Chandapiwa Tafila, Boemo Sebako, Popego Simon, Pearl Sikwane, Precious Tlhapi, Malebogo Dumelang (Tshegofatso Kentsheng), Mitchell Abueng (Goabelwa Mahuko), Warona Molete, Katlo Omphitlhetse

GU: Tlamelo Pheresi, Desiree Kenyaditswe, Thando Boitshepo (Oteng Bonang), Kesegofetse Mochawe, Goitsemang Tlamma (Serati Modisenyane), Obonetse Rathari, Keitumetse Dithebe, Jessica Modise, Jessica Maponga (Nancy Baeletsi), Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, Lesego Radiakanyo

BDF 1 (Tlhapi 38th) GU 0