WAFCON 2024: Botswana have great chance to upset Nigeria – Malete

Botswana coach Alex Malete has confidently said that they have a great opportunity to beat Nigeria and keep alive their hopes of qualifying from the group stages of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The Mares, who suffered a 1-0 defeat against Algeria in their group opener, will face a Super Falcons side, who kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 win against Tunisia at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Malete believes Botswana are now in the right frame of mind, despite kicking off their campaign on a losing note adding that they have a chance against the Super Falcons ‘we can’t afford to squander.”

“Tomorrow’s (Thursday’s) game against Nigeria is an opportunity for us. An opportunity that we cannot afford not to take,” Malete told reporters as quoted by AllNigeriaSoccer. “We didn’t start the tournament very well.

“We believe that tomorrow we have to play every moment, every second, from the first minute to the last minute. Something that we didn’t do well against Algeria.”

Malete continued: “We’re confident and positive that we can qualify for the quarterfinals. Everyone in the group has a strong belief that we can pull through and make it to the next round. Most importantly, we believe in each other and believe in our system and structure.

“The belief is stronger than the pressure and the doubt. So we are confident that should we execute the game plan tomorrow, should we play with heart, desire, commitment, and patience tomorrow, we should be able to get a good result and make the game competitive.”

Malete further explained why the goal difference will be important in the group: “Also, we have to look at other groups and the goal difference. Every goal will matter tomorrow, so we have to keep the game very competitive and finish strongly against Nigeria.

“So we are confident that we will qualify for the quarter-finals.”

Nigeria will secure their place in the last eight if they manage to beat Botswana.