On Saturday afternoon, the Young Mares came from a goal behind to beat visiting Algeria 2-1 in the first leg of the Under-17 Girls World Cup first round of qualifiers played at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. The home side was initially down by a goal early in the first half with just 20 minutes played. Hanane Sehouil benefited from some shaky defending by the home side to give the visitors a crucial away goal. The visitors dominated possession to take the lead into halftime break. A hungrier looking Young Mares got the equaliser on the 65th minute through a Keletso Lesotlho effort after failing to convert a series of chances. It was 2-1 for the home team late in the tie when Gaborone United (GU) sensation, Amogelang Sebotho, brilliantly gave the Young Mares the lead. The team takes a slim lead ahead of the second leg to be played next Monday.
In a post match interview, Mosetlha said there is need to work on the team's mental strength as the majority of the squad is inexperienced in playing in away conditions. “It is not going to be easy as we may think. Firstly we are going to play at nine in the evening, the conditions which our players are not accustomed. Secondly, we know in Algeria they are famous for using lasers and it is one of the things we should prepare our players for. One other thing, we anticipate a capacity filled stadium and we need to ready the players for such,” Mosetlha said. She further credited her side for responding well to the demands of the game and salvage a win from a losing position. The Young Mares returned to Gaborone on Sunday as they continue to get ready for the second leg tie. The team will fly to Algeria later in the week.
