Alex Malete, head coach of Botswana’s women’s national team, says his squad still has work to do before next month’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

This follows a 1-1 draw with Zambia in their three nations tournament in South Africa.

“I have to say still lot of things that we need to work on especially on the ball. But defensively I will say am very happy.” Malete said after the match.

On Wednesday, Botswana came back from a three-goal deficit to lose narrowly to hosts South Africa, 3-2. They once more overcame a deficit to secure a draw against Zambia.

“I have to say am happy with the mental strength going three zero up managing two goals they lead (Zambia) then we were able to equalize. Because of characteristics of Zambia attackers they are very speedy but We managed to defend the depth that for us is very positive.“

After Evarine Katongo’s shot from the edge of the box was not cleared by Botswana goalkeeper Lesego Gloria Moeng, Zambia’s captain, Barbara Banda, tapped in to give the 2022 Bronze medalist, the lead in the 67th minute.

“Playing Zambia And South Africa Crucial” – Malete.

But Botswana responded 12 minutes later. A mistake by debutant goalkeeper Mwila Munfute allowed Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse to score into an empty net and level the match.

Botswana are preparing for their second WAFCON appearance, having reached the quarterfinals on debut in 2022.

Malete thinks that playing South Africa and Zambia is good preparations before they play Nigeria, Algeria, and Tunisia in Group C of the upcoming WAFCON.

“We played the top teams in Africa. South Africa they are the defending champions, Zambia they have the best attackers maybe in the continent. But I have to say playing Zambia and South Africa, two different teams, we are going have to play maybe similar to Zambia in Nigeria and in Algeria and Tunisia very similar to South Africa.”