Mares book historic AFCON finals berth

The match played on Wednesday evening at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, saw Zimbabwe defeat Botswana 2-0.

The Mares squeezed through on away goals rule after they won 3-1 in Harare last week Friday. Poor defending of set pieces, crosses and indecisiveness in front of goal were Mares' major undoing, but it mattered little as they qualified for the finals to be hosted in Morocco in July.

Zimbabwe captain Emmaculate Msipa tormented the Mares defence from start to finish and it was no surprise that she scored a ferocious header from a cross. Zimbabwe got their second goal through Privilege Mupeti, a goal that caused butterflies in the Mares and fans' stomachs.

Zimbabwe coach, Sithethelelwe Sibanda attributed their lack of progress to inadequate preparations in the first leg.

Over the moon Botswana coach, Gaolethoo 'Ronaldo' Nkutlwisang blamed their 2-0 defeat on failure to deal with crosses, set pieces and not being clinical in front of goals.

However, she promised they will rectify their mistakes before traveling to Morocco.