WAFCON 2022 Matchday 3: South Africa vs Botswana

Ahead of South Africa’s matchup with debutants Burundi, star forward Thembi Kgatlana reiterated her words from before a ball was kicked stating: “To be honest, it’s a mindset… treating everyone the same way. If I can be fully focused for Nigeria, why can’t I do it for the next opponent?”

The mindset, however, was in question last time out for the South African women when they faced Burundi. The performance was dominant but for one crucial area – the final third. At the end of the first half, Banyana were 2-1 up and the South African women could have easily been five goals clear with a clean sheet.

Like in the matchup with Nigeria, Banyana’s possession game was on point. The tenacity in quickly turning around possession was evident, as well the desire to transition into attack at lightning pace. They were able to exploit the flat feet of Burundi’s defence on several occasions but the decisiveness in the final third was jaded. The second half was non the better, with Jermaine Seoposenwe failing to convert a penalty alongside a host of other missed chances. At the end of the day, the result was 3-1 in favour of South Africa, with three points to their name alongside quarterfinal qualification.

Banyana have showed they possess the quality to go all the way. Coach Desiree Ellis will know where to tweak the ladies ahead of their final group encounter with eyes fully focused on the quarterfinals knowing the top spot in Group C is theirs.

Botswana found themselves in unfamiliar territory on top of Group C before facing reigning African champions Nigeria after disposing of Burundi 4-2. Head coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang does not shy away from a challenge stating that she wants to face the best the continent has to offer.

Well, coach Nkutlwisang ie getting what she wishes for, back-to-back. Botswana’s 2-0 defeat to Nigeria was not one to shy away from. The Mares were obviously going to soak up pressure and be decisive in their counter attacking play, but what shocked me was the confidence to press higher up the field of play on more than one occasion.

Refilwe Tholakele is arguably one of the most talented players in Botswana’s arsenal. Two goals and one assist plus as confident a performance over a full 90 against the best team in Africa, Tholakele is one to watch down the left-hand side.

If Botswana defeat South Africa, and Nigeria somehow don’t collect three points against Burundi, the quarterfinals will have their names in shining lights. The Mares have shown they will not shy away from a challenge, and we can expect them to systematically go at it again in an all or nothing attempt this Sunday evening.