Botswana under 20 women national football team will meet their South African counterpart in the next round of the Women’s World Cup qualifiers after beating Namibia 2-0 in a game played at the National Stadium on January 31.
In the first round, Botswana clobbered Namibia 7-0 in the first leg, which was played in Namibia a fortnight ago.
On Friday, Botswana started at a very high tempo and their resilience saw them netting the first goal, which was well orchestrated by captain Esalenna Galekhutle to Obonetse Rathari, who did not waste time but netted it to make 1-0 in the 14th minute of the game.
The goal seemed to have rubbed the Namibian players the wrong way, as they started playing with a sense of urgency, but the Botswana defense, which was well marshaled by Lone Gaofetoge made things difficult for the visitors.
While Namibia was trying hard to get an equaliser, Botswana won a freekick in the 22nd minute and Namibia goalkeeper, Julia Jindo was well beaten by Keitumetse Dithebe to make it 2-0.
The game went into a recess with a scoreline reading 2-0. After the break, the local girls took the game easy, but Namibia still failed to make some threats.
Credit must go to Namibia defence for guarding free-scoring Michell Abueng, as they did not give her space to manuovoure.
Abueng, scored five goals in the first leg a fortnight ago.
Coach Jacqueline Gaboinelwe said in an interview after the game that she was happy with the players’ performance.
The players, she said managed to hold and pass the ball.
She said the game helped the technical team to identify some areas, which needed to be corrected.
“We need to work on their confidence, particularly the back line. Some of them should up their game,” she said.
Namibia coach, Uerikondjera Kasoana said she was very proud of the team’s performance, adding that although they failed to utilise their chances, they managed to play as per her instructions.
“My girls fought the whole 90 minutes and it was a good game.
In the first leg, Botswana destroyed us because our preparations were not good, but this time, I think they showed some class,” she said. ENDS