Coach backs Young Mares despite first-leg setback
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday April 14, 2026 09:17
The Young Mares fell 3-2 to Tanzania in the first leg of the first round of qualifiers played at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium on Friday afternoon.
However, Gabobinelwe believes the tie is still within reach ahead of the return leg on Saturday.
The visitors struck early through Fatuma Hassani Khamis, who rifled home in the 11th minute after a well-worked move. Tanzania were, however, forced into an early change as the goalscorer was stretchered off moments later due to injury.
Tanzania controlled large spells of the first half, with the Young Mares struggling to settle. Young Mares found a lifeline in the 38th minute when Bridget Setuke capitalised on a defensive mix-up to slot into an empty net.
Parity was short-lived as just three minutes later, Bahati Steven Kizanguzi restored Tanzania’s lead with a composed finish after breaking through the defence.
The visitors extended their advantage on the stroke of half-time when Neema Lucas Mtunzi delivered a cross for Zuhura Mlekwa Lyoba to tap in, sending Tanzania into the break with a 3-1 lead.
The Young Mares returned a more purposeful side in the second half and reduced the deficit in the 71st minute. Hope Lesotlo won a penalty and calmly converted to keep Botswana in the contest.
Despite pushing for an equaliser, Botswana could not find a third goal, leaving Tanzania with a slender advantage heading into the second leg.
Addressing journalists after the match, Gabobinelwe was hopefull her side would overturn the scores over the weekend. She admitted that her troops had limited time to prepare for the tie and she also bemoaned lack of international exposure.
“It is important that from now on we go work on our weaknesses because I would say this game is a clear picture of what we could learned before coming here.
“But I can say from here and with the time we have until the seond leg we should go work harder to atleast do better,” she said.
The teams:
Botswana: Wame Chakalisa, Mmabatho Serokane, Bridget Setuke, Masego Botshelo, Gorata Kgotle, Rose Modumo, Priscilla Moseki, Hope Lesotlo, Refilwe Kelekabile, Kegomoditswe Molefi, Sedilame Mogale
Tanzania: Nusra Hamisi Jafari, Fatuma Hassani Khamis, Christer Charles Bazil, Sundy Raphael Masalila, Elizabeth John Chenge, Asha Omary Ramadhani, Yasinta Michael Kaluwa, Bahati Steven Kizanguzi, Helena Hamsi Mtudagi, Zuhura Mlekwa Lyoba, Neema Lucas Mtunzi
Botswana 2 (Setuke 38th, Lesotlo 71st) Tanzania 3 (Khamis 11th, Kizanguzi 41st, Lyoba 45+1)