NOT JUST NUMBERS Why the Mares Deserved More at WAFCON 2025
In tournament football, margins are everything. And for Botswana’s senior women’s team, the Mares, those margins were heartbreakingly thin at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Knocked out in the group stages by goal difference , not performance , the Mares’ campaign deserves a deeper look, one that reveals a team that was far from outclassed.
The Numbers That Hurt — But Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Both Botswana and Senegal finished third in their respective groups. But while Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals with a +2 goal difference, Botswana’s -1 saw them miss out. Yet the Mares’ group was arguably tougher:
– They faced Nigeria, the nine-time champions and current finalists.
– They conceded only three goals in three matches, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Nigeria, who later demolished Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals and edged South Africa 2-1 in the semis.
Senegal, meanwhile, benefited from a 4-0 win over DR Congo but lost to both Zambia and Morocco. Their advancement was more about timing and matchups than dominance.
The Nigeria Game: A Defensive Masterclass
Botswana remains the only team Nigeria struggled to beat. The Super Falcons, who hadn’t conceded a goal in the tournament until the semi-finals, needed a late strike to edge past the Mares. That match showcased Botswana’s tactical discipline, with captain and goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja delivering a standout performance.
Compare that to Nigeria’s ease against Zambia and South Africa, two teams with more WAFCON pedigree, and the Mares’ effort becomes even more impressive.
The Tunisia Comeback: A Glimpse of Botswana’s Fire
In their final group match, the Mares staged a thrilling 2-1 comeback against Tunisia, with goals from Lesego Radiakanyo and Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe, the latter assisted brilliantly by Refilwe Tholakele. It was a moment of joy and defiance, proving that Botswana could not only defend but also rise under pressure.
The Ghana-Tanzania Result: The Twist of Fate
Botswana’s fate hinged on a draw between Ghana and Tanzania. But Ghana’s 4-1 win sealed the Mares’ exit. It was a cruel twist, not a collapse.
Prize and Perspective
For finishing third, the Mares earned USD 150,000, missing out on an additional USD 200,000 for quarter-final qualification. But the real value lies in the experience gained and the message sent: Botswana is no longer a WAFCON newcomer. They are contenders.
The Mares didn’t fail, they flirted with greatness. Their defensive resilience against Africa’s best, their spirited comeback, and their narrow elimination all point to a team on the rise. If anything, WAFCON 2025 should be remembered as the tournament where Botswana proved they belong.
