Dinaletsana Shine In World Opener
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday July 10, 2017 14:58
Playing in front a fully packed crowd, Dinaletsana recorded the biggest win margin of the round one matches.
The hosts however showed signs of nerves allowing the visitors to score very quick goals bringing the crowd to a deafening silence. The home team’s attack however soon got to their rhythm with the partnership of Cheludo David (GS) and Pearl Maribe (GA) causing all sorts of problems for the visitors’ defence. Dinaletsana finished the first quarter leading 17-9. In the second quarter, David continued to convert on second attempts while the defence kept it tight against pint sized Malaysian attackers. The team’s marking kept the visitors at bay, taking a 32-16 lead into break after the second quarter.
After the break, Botswana dominated a rather one-sided quarter.
The team was superb on transition and covered well when they lost possession. The visitors tried to break the locals’ defence playing quick short passes play but their efforts were in vain with the hosts extending the lead. By the end of the third quarter, Botswana were leading 50-20. In the last quarter, fatigue appeared to take its toll on Malaysia, allowing the hosts to seal a 72-26 victory.
“We are happy with the performance. The girls started well. We also had the chance to rotate the squad as the match went on. It is important that every player gets some playing minutes early in the tournament,” Botswana coach, Setshedi Botlhole-Mmopi said after the game.
Dinaletsana also registered a 51-41 victory yesterday against Cook Islands. They face African powerhouses, Uganda today.
The Teams:
Botswana: Cheludo David, Fatimah Dino, Obusitswe Dipateletso, Sarona Hans, Pearl Maribe, Modinda Mbangiwa, Maipelo Mosotho, Amantle Never, Barati Phesodi, Florence Plane, Boikanyo Selogetso, Maungo Simone
Malaysia: Azinan, Aziz, Loganathan, Farit, Hasbullah, Kaurinnisa, Raziani, Noorsabadinee, Khalo-Tass, Che-Yahaya, Asfarina, Khairud-Din, Affani, Muhammar