COSAFA Women’s Championship: ‘Eswatini defended with six’ – Nkutiwisang

Botswana senior women’s team coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutiwisang attributes her team’s one-all draw with Eswatini in South Africa on Sunday to their opponents’ ultra-defensive game-plan.

The Mares coach claimed that Eswatini played with six players in defence to stifle their opponents’ attacks in the Group B match at Seshego Stadium.

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:

🇧🇼 Botswana 1 (Mamela 23’) 1 Eswatini (Mokgale 28’) 🇸🇿 #CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/rVHWIUW5Sx

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 22, 2026

“From our training session, we knew very well that Eswatini would have six players at the back to block all the balls that we wanted to play. All in all, it was a tough game, very demanding on the bench and on the field of play. A point is a good result looking at the squad we have,” she said.

What next for the Mares of Botswana?

The Mares will now turn attention to the last group-stage match against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, February 24 at Seshego Stadium, with nothing guaranteed as far as semifinal qualification is concerned.

“It is a different game. We may come up with a different plan. We have better chances of doing well,” Nkutiwisang added.

The share of the points leaves Group B unchanged: Zambia still lead the standings with four points at par with the second-placed Zimbabwe.

Eswatini occupy third place and Botswana each with one point are at the bottom.

COSAFA Women’s Championship: Nkutiwisang Blames 6-Player Defence in Botswana Draw

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The COSAFA Women’s Championship Botswana Eswatini draw ended in frustration for the Mares after head coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutiwisang attributed the 1-1 stalemate to Eswatini’s ultra-defensive approach.

Speaking after the Group B clash at Seshego Stadium in South Africa, Nkutiwisang revealed that her team had anticipated the tactical setup from Eswatini women’s national football team.

“From our training session, we knew very well that Eswatini would have six players at the back to block all the balls that we wanted to play,” she explained.

COSAFA Women’s Championship Botswana Eswatini Draw Frustrates Mares

The encounter saw Botswana women’s national football team take the lead in the 23rd minute through Mamela, raising hopes of a crucial victory.

However, Eswatini responded swiftly five minutes later when Mokgale found the equaliser, ensuring the contest remained balanced heading into halftime.

Despite dominating possession and attempting to stretch the defensive lines, Botswana struggled to break down a compact Eswatini side that committed six players to defensive duties.

Nkutiwisang admitted the game was mentally and physically demanding.

“It was a tough game, very demanding on the bench and on the field of play. A point is a good result looking at the squad we have,” she added.

Tactical Battle in Group B

The COSAFA Women’s Championship Botswana Eswatini draw highlighted contrasting tactical philosophies.

Botswana sought to control the tempo and attack through wide areas, while Eswatini prioritised structure and defensive solidity. By crowding their defensive third, Eswatini limited clear-cut opportunities and forced Botswana into speculative attempts.

The approach worked. While the Mares showed intent and creativity in phases, they lacked the final clinical touch needed to convert pressure into goals.

In tightly contested group-stage matches, margins are often slim — and Sunday’s encounter was no exception.

Group B Standings Remain Tight

The result leaves Group B finely poised.

Zambia women’s national football team remain top with four points, level with second-placed Zimbabwe women’s national football team.

Eswatini sit third, while Botswana occupy the bottom position with one point. With semifinal qualification still within reach, every remaining fixture carries significant weight.

What Next for Botswana?

Attention now shifts to a decisive clash against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, February 24, again at Seshego Stadium.

Nkutiwisang suggested tactical adjustments may be on the cards.

“It is a different game. We may come up with a different plan. We have better chances of doing well,” she stated confidently.

The COSAFA Women’s Championship Botswana Eswatini draw means Botswana must now approach their final group match with urgency. A positive result could propel them into contention for a semifinal berth, depending on other results.

Key Areas for Improvement

For Botswana to progress, sharper finishing will be essential. Against compact defensive setups, quick ball circulation and decisive movement inside the box become crucial.

Additionally, defensive concentration will be required against Zimbabwe’s dynamic attacking options.

While the draw may feel like a missed opportunity, it also demonstrated resilience. The Mares maintained composure despite tactical frustration and earned a point that could yet prove valuable.

A Crucial Final Group Stage Showdown

As the COSAFA Women’s Championship enters its decisive phase, Group B remains wide open. Botswana’s campaign hangs in the balance, but belief remains strong within the camp.

The COSAFA Women’s Championship Botswana Eswatini draw may not have delivered maximum points, but it sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter against Zimbabwe.