The team on Friday afternoon beat Gabon 4-1 in the first leg of 2024 WAFCON first round of qualifiers at the Stade de Fransville in Gabon. The match was played in a nervy environment following a military coup at Gabon last month.
The Mares were not sparred from the developments in the central African state as the home side switched the match venue at the 11th hour. The match was initially scheduled in the capital city, but upon arrival the Mares were informed they have been fixtured in Fransville. They had to travel hours to reach the match destination and were at some point housed in an army base.
However on the match day the Mares did not let their Gabonese experience deter them from getting the important away win. The two teams had played to a goalless first half and five goals were scored in the second half.
Lesego Radiakanyo opened the scores on the 56th minute and from the bench, Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe bagged a brace on the 76th and 89th minutes. Refilwe Tholakele rounded the haul with a goal on the 90th minute.
The home side pulled one back from the spot on the referee’s additional minutes. The Mares will now turn their focus to the second leg of the tie that is to be played at the Lobatse Sports Complex tomorrow in a 4.30pm kick off time.
The team, however, did not have a swift trip back home. At press time, reports from Gabon were that the team was to depart on Saturday. However, the trip was delayed by a day due to a flight mechanical fault.
The Mares were expected home yesterday evening and have a day to rest ahead of the Tuesday’s second leg tie. Meanwhile, the Under-20 had an eye opening 6-0 defeat to Morocco in a friendly match played on Thursday. The two teams met again on Sunday afternoon as the local girls prepare for the World Cup qualifiers.
