They beat Gaborone United (GU) 1-0 to win the DTC Botswana Women’s Championship final played at the National Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Therefore, it is two out of two for the Star Stripes having won the inaugural edition in 2022.
It was, however, a closely contested tie and was only separated by a Lesego Radiakanyo first half penalty kick. Monene told Sport Monitor that they maintained technical superiority over their opponents and the result was never in doubt.
“From the way I train these girls, we do not have any pressure of which side we play because I know that they will adapt to the situation that may happen so it does not matter who we really play. These girls are technically trained,” Monene said.
The reigning champions announced their intentions as early as the ninth minute when Balotlhanyi Johannes saw her effort well saved by the goalkeeper. A minute later, the Reds were forced to make a substitution when Annah Sechane limped off and was replaced by Goitsemang Tlamma. On the 13th minute, Bame Mokime pulled fully stretched one hand save to deny Jessica Maphonga from close range.
The tempo of the game rose with every minute as both sides looked for an early goal. However, they struggled to penetrate the opposition defence. Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe could have given Double Action the lead on the half hour mark but her effort was thwarted by the defence. Gaonyadiwe was later brought down inside the box and Radiakanyo hit the roof of the net to give her side the lead on the 40th minute.
It remained 1-0 to Double Action at the break. Just five minutes into the second half, Johannes’ pass was met by Radiakanyo but she could not hit the target. The champions showed dominance in the tie but could not break the resilient Reds defence. Double Action held on to claim the CAF Women’s Champions League playoffs spot in addition to the P250,000 prize money. Western Dynamites had earlier beaten Granada FC 3-1 in the third place playoffs.
The teams: Double Action: Bame Mokime, Veronica Mogotsi, Oteng Bonang, Boitumelo Gammu, Oratile Rathari, Lesego Radikanyo, Segakolodi Didukunyane (Serati Modisenyane), Leungo Senwelo (Tletlanyo Molefe), Otlametse Gaonyadiwe, Balotlhanyi Johannes GU: Tlamelo Pheresi, Goitsemang Tlamma (Goitsemang Tlamma), Thapelo Moshe, Gonayamodimo Macha, Jessica Maphonga, Golebaone Selebatso, Lone Gaofetoge, Maatla Tlhobogang (Kelebogile Modimoeng), Masego Koboto, Keitumetse Dithebe, Kelebogile Magaga (Lame Kalantle)
