Botswana head coach Alex Malete says the clash against Nigeria at the WAFCON 2024 is “an opportunity we can’t afford to miss” as the Mares seek to revive their campaign following a disappointing opening-day loss to Algeria, www.aclsports.com reports.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference alongside goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija, Malete was confident that his team still has what it takes to reach the quarterfinals, a feat they achieved on their debut in 2022.
“We didn’t start the tournament very well,” Malete admitted. “But tomorrow we must play every moment, every second, from the first whistle to the last, something we didn’t do against Algeria. This is an opportunity for us. The belief in this group is stronger than the pressure, stronger than the doubt.”
Despite sitting third in Group B, Botswana remain positive about their chances. “We believe in each other, in our system, and in our structure,” the coach continued. “If we execute the game plan with heart, desire, commitment, and patience, we should be able to get a good result against Nigeria and make the game competitive.”
Botswana’s 1-0 loss to Algeria left them with ground to make up, and Malete stressed that goal difference could be decisive in the tournament. “We have to look at how other groups are shaping up, every goal will matter,” he said. “We must finish strong here and also in our last group game against Tunisia.”
Echoing her coach’s confidence, Bosija said the players remain motivated despite the slow start. “Like our coach said, we didn’t start well, but it’s not how you start,” she said. “We still have two games to improve and prove that we can win. There’s still hope.”
Asked what lessons he drew from the loss to Algeria and how they plan to approach the Super Falcons, Malete didn’t shy away from the reality of the challenge ahead. “We didn’t play the first half at all in our opening game. So going forward, we must be switched on from the very first minute,” he said. “Against Nigeria in 2022, we lost 2–0. But both teams have grown since then, as teams and as individuals. This will be a very different kind of match.”
For Malete, the target is clear: repeat or surpass their 2022 quarterfinal finish. “That’s the benchmark. That’s the goal. Anything less would be a disappointment, and the players know that.”
Bosija, admitted that facing the most successful women’s team on the continent adds pressure, but also motivation. “We didn’t start how we wanted. But we still have to prove ourselves and work harder,” she said. “If we win or even draw against Nigeria, we’ll have a strong chance to qualify. So we’re not giving up.”
Botswana take on Nigeria on Wednesday in what promises to be a defining game for their WAFCON 2024 ambitions. While the Super Falcons are chasing a second group win, the Mares will be fighting to keep their campaign alive.
