Botswana head coach Alex Malete has expressed confidence that his team can cause a major upset by defeating Nigeria's Super Falcons in their upcoming Group B clash at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Mares suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Algeria in their opening match in Casablanca on Sunday, putting them in a difficult position in Group B. Meanwhile, the Super Falcons made a strong statement with a commanding 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their first game.
Despite the contrasting fortunes in their opening fixtures, Malete remains optimistic about his team's chances against the nine-time African champions. Botswana must avoid defeat against Nigeria to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
"We have to be calm and not desperate when we face Nigeria," Malete told SABC Sports. "We have to be able to express ourselves in terms of things that we do well. Look at Nigeria as well and see what they do well and see what they struggle with and do our best to use that to our advantage."
This will be only the second meeting between the two teams at the WAFCON finals. Their previous encounter during the 2022 edition ended in a 1-0 victory for Nigeria, suggesting the Mares have already proven they can keep matches against the continental powerhouse competitive.
The Super Falcons have been in impressive form, with players like Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie showing their quality. England-born defender Ashleigh Plumptre has also been a standout performer for the Nigerian side.
For Botswana, this match represents more than just a group stage fixture—it's an opportunity to make history by securing their first-ever win against one of Africa's most decorated women's football teams.
The crucial Group B encounter is expected to draw significant attention from football fans across the continent as the tournament progresses in Morocco.
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