Botswana head coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang has attributed her side’s 3-0 defeat to Zambia at the COSAFA Women’s Championship to what she described as “easy goals” conceded by her team.
Botswana fell to the Copper Queens in their Group B opener in Polokwane, a result that leaves Zambia top of the group on three points, level with Zimbabwe but with a superior goal difference.
Reflecting on the match, Nkutlwisang admitted that her team struggled to press effectively and were slow in their response, particularly in defence.
“I think, in terms of the goals that were scored by the Zambians, I would not say they just scored, but I would say we gave them away,” she said. “In terms of our back line and response, we were too slow and we also gave away the balls.”
Despite the defeat, the Botswana coach praised her players for sticking to their tactical structure against a Zambian side preparing for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
“We came here knowing very well that Zambia has been training very hard. Our structure was to deny them space behind, and, all in all, I would say the girls did well,” she said.
Nkutlwisang also revealed that her team had limited preparation time heading into the tournament, but remains optimistic about improvement as the competition progresses.
Botswana will now turn their attention to Sunday’s clash against Eswatini at 12h00, while Zambia face Zimbabwe at 15h00 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in a decisive Group B encounter.
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