Botswana women advance in All Africa Games qualifiers
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday March 9, 2015 15:42
The team lost 1-0 on Friday evening at the National Stadium, but the 3-1 away win they registered a fortnight ago was enough for the local girls to go through.
The female Zebras missed Township Rollers’ defender Tlamelo Motlhale through suspension. Her place was taken by Golebaone Selebatso. Double Action’s Thuto Ramafifi and Prisons’ Nondi Mahlasela led the Zebras attack while Thuto Lesaane dictated the midfield.
The local girls started on a high note, taking the game to the visitors in search of an early goal. Left winger Boitumelo Gammu and full back Kesegofetse Mochawe looked too good for the Madagascan side. The first chance of the match came in sixth minute when Gammu delivered a cross into the box but Ramafifi’s headed over the bar. Gammu again picked Ramafifi with a low cross from the left in sixth minute but the striker’s shot went wide.
Marie Raharimalala got the visitor’s goal from a corner kick in the 15th minute after goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija failed to catch the curling cross. Madagascar’s celebrations were short-lived as they were forced to bring in Lova Ramiliarimanana for injured Elisa Rasoariamonjy in the 26th minute. Botswana pressed for an eaqualiser but Raamafifi and Lebogang Setereke failed to convert the chances created.
The coach, Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang made changes in the early minutes of the second half, introducing Phatsimo Bosa and Tholakele for Thuso Lesaane and Mahlasela respectively.
The changes breathed some life in the home team’s play and in the 55th minute, Ramafifi’s header was parried. Substitutes Bosa and Thokalele combined well in the 64th minute but the latter’s shot was well saved. Botswana nearly equalised after a scramble in the Madagascar box in the 87th minute.
Nkutlwisang complimented her team’s play but cried about missed chances. “We played well though we missed clear opportunities, we tried to play good football but I think there was a little bit of stage fright from my players,” she said.
The team increased its chances of qualifying for the games, which are hosted by Congo-Brazzaville in September. They face South Africa in the second round of the qualifiers on a date to be confirmed.
Line Ups
Botswana: Bosija, Kgomotso Molefe, Bonang Otlhagile, Gammu, Mochawe, Ramafifi, Lesaane (Bosa), Selebatso, Amogelang Moahi, Mahlasela (Thokakele), Setekereke
Madagascar: Diana Andeianandrasanav, Sophie Farafanirina (Enenestine Rasoamanarivo), Elisa Rasoariamonjy (Lova Ramiliarimanana), Marie Raharimalala (Hostenia Mamihasina), Ouarda, Genevieve Razafindramilina, Tolizafyt Fabiola, Mbolasoa Ranavinoson, Nadia Raveosoloariamala, Favadomoina Ravonison, Regina Ramiseheno
Caution: Bosa