Malete credits players for Botswana’s stunning Tunisia WAFCON win

Botswana women’s national team head coach Alex Malete has credited her players for the quality they showed in Sunday’s comeback 2-1 victory against Tunisia in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

In the Group B fixture at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca, Tunisia broke the deadlock early through Yesmin Khanchouch, but Botswana responded with sustained pressure in the second half, and their efforts were rewarded when Lesego Radiakanyo drilled home the equaliser from close range in the 66th minute.

With the game headed for a 1-1 result, Botswana produced the killer punch in the 95th minute when Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse finished off a cross past the stretching hands of Soulayma Jebrani. However, the Mares’ hopes of a top-two finish were dashed as Nigeria and Algeria played out a 0-0 draw in the group’s other game, ensuring both advanced.

“All the credit goes to the players. They believed, they responded, they dared,” said Malete after the game as quoted by CAFOnline. “What you see on the pitch is the result of alchemy. I’m there to create the conditions. But they are the ones who write the story.”

The 35-year-old added: “I talk a lot with my players, to find out how they feel, gauge their determination, and get details that allow me to create a sense of osmosis.”

Botswana could still qualify with favourable results between Mali and Tanzania, who play on Monday, and speaking on their chances, he said: “We haven’t proven anything yet. This tournament is above all a learning curve.

“If we get past the first round, it will be a great reward. But my real goal is for the team to emerge from this competition with experience and maturity, regardless of the final ranking.”

Botswana are currently third in the group with three points.