Botswana women's national football team

This article is about the women's team. For the men's team, see Botswana national football team.

Botswana

Nickname(s)	The Mares [1] The Zebras [2]
Association	Botswana Football Association
Confederation	CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation	COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach	Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang
Captain	Kefilwe Tholakele
Home stadium	Botswana National Stadium
FIFA code	BOT
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	153 (13 December 2024) [3]
Highest	102 (July 2003)
Lowest	154 (December 2021 – March 2022)
First international
South Africa 14–0 Botswana   (Harare, Zimbabwe; April 19, 2002)
Biggest win
Botswana 7–0 Mauritius   (Lobatse, Botswana; March 5, 2016)   Botswana 7–0 South Sudan   (Port Elizabeth, South Africa; September 29, 2021)
Biggest defeat
South Africa 14–0 Botswana   (Harare, Zimbabwe; April 19, 2002)
World Cup
Appearances	0
Olympic Games
Appearances	0
Women's Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances	2 (first in 2022 )
Best result	Quarter-finals (2022)

The Botswana women's national football team ^[4] is the women's national football team of Botswana and is controlled by the Botswana Football Association. They qualified for their maiden Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) tournament held in Morocco in July 2022. ^{[5] [6]}

Botswana played in the qualification for the 2002 African Championship but lost in their first game. After this, they also took part in the qualification for the 2008 African Championship where they played two matches and lost both to Namibia at the end of 2007. Botswana did not play again until the qualification for the 2010 Championship where they lost both matches, this time against Democratic Republic of the Congo. For these games, Botswana named an entirely U20 national team. ^[7] They have also played games since they were eliminated from qualification.

History

Botswana played their first match in Harare, Zimbabwe on April 19, 2002, against South Africa in a series of friendlies. They lost 14–0. After this match, they lost 3–0 against Swaziland and 7–1 against Mozambique, where they scored their first goal.

Botswana's first major competition was in the 2008 African Women's Championship where after 5 years, they played an international match, this time against Namibia. Zebras lost both legs by 3–0 and 6–1.

Botswana had played with Zambia on 4 May 2008 and lost 4–2.

With a U20 team, Zebras played 2010 African Women's Championship qualifiers against Congo DR and again lost both legs, this time by 2–0 and 5–2 and did not qualify for either the 2010 African Women's Championship and the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup

A series of friendlies occurred in October 2010, against Zambia on 2 and 23 October. They lost 1–4 and 1–2 respectively; against Tanzania on 25 October and 26 October, lost 2–3 and draw 1–1. In the next year, March 2011, they again played against Namibia and lost 1–0.

In 2011, one of the two friendlies in April and May with South Africa marked their first victory, by 1–0. The other match was lost 4–0. In August, they played against Tanzania on 2 August, losing 3–1; South Africa on August 3, losing 4–0 and against Zambia, also losing, 4–1.

They entered the 2012 African Women's Championship qualifiers and played against Zimbabwe, and were eliminated by an aggregate score of 3–1, due to losing the two legs by 1–0 and 2–1. Last friendlies in 2012 included two losses against South Africa (3–0) and Zimbabwe (5–0).

Before the 2014 African Women's Championship qualifiers, the team played the first 2014 matches, against Swaziland on 7 and 8 January and won for the second and third time, by 3–0 and 3–1. The first leg of the qualifiers for the African Championship started on 14 February with a loss against Zimbabwe 1–0 and the second leg was played on 2 March, with another loss, by 2–1. Botswana were eliminated from the African Championship and the World Cup. On June 7 of the same year, they played against South Africa, losing 4–0.

Team image

Home stadium

The Botswana women's national football team plays their home matches at the Botswana National Stadium.

Results and fixtures

Main article: Botswana women's national football team results

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

Legend

  Win  Draw  Lose  Fixture

2024

Russia   v   Botswana

27 February Friendly	Russia	4–0	Botswana	Antalya, Turkey
16:00  UTC+2	Belomyttseva 3', 86' (pen.) Fedorova 9' Smirnova 42'	Report

Botswana   v   Lesotho

6 April 2024 (2024-04-06) Friendly	Botswana	2–1	Lesotho	Tlokweng, Botswana
16:00  UTC+2	Moloi 32' Dithebe 48'		Ts'oaeli 73'	Stadium: Royal Aria Stadium

Botswana   v   Namibia

9 April 2024 (2024-04-09) Friendly	Botswana	1–1	Namibia	Tlokweng, Botswana
16:00	Senwelo 36'		Coleman 38'	Stadium: Royal Aria Stadium

Botswana   v   Tanzania

13 July 2024 Tunis Women's Cup	Botswana	0–0	Tanzania	Tunis, Tunisia
15:00  UTC+1				Stadium: Chedly Zouiten Stadium

Tunisia   v   Botswana

15 July 2024 Tunis Women's Cup	Tunisia	1–0	Botswana	Tunis, Tunisia
15:00  UTC+1	Shaiek 75'			Stadium: Chedly Zouiten Stadium

Malawi   v   Botswana

23 October 2024 (2024-10-23) 2024 COSAFA WC GS	Malawi	1–1	Botswana	Ibhayi, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2	Chizimu 28'	Report	Moloi 40'	Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium Referee: Nteboheleng Setoko (Lesotho)

Botswana   v   Mauritius

26 October 2024 (2024-10-26) 2024 COSAFA WC GS	Botswana	5–0	Mauritius	Gqeberha, South Africa
12:00  UTC+2	Dithebe 5' Ontlametse 45+4' Modise 58', 60', 69' (pen.)	Report		Stadium: Madibaz Stadium Referee: Tania Marisa Duarte (Angola)

Madagascar   v   Botswana

28 October 2024 (2024-10-28) 2024 COSAFA WC GS	Madagascar	0–0	Botswana	Ibhayi, South Africa
12:00  UTC+2		Report		Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium Referee: Mercy Chipo Mayimbo (Zimbabwe)

Morocco   v   Botswana

28 November 2024 (2024-11-28) Friendly	Morocco	3–1	Botswana	Tétouan, Morocco
18:00  UTC+1	Jraïdi 6', 45' Kassi 40'	Report	Moloi 71'	Stadium: Saniat Rmel Stadium Referee: Aida Sy (Senegal)

Mali   v   Botswana

1 December 2024 (2024-12-01) Friendly	Mali	0–1	Botswana	Tanger, Morocco
16:00  UTC+1		Report	Moloi 61'	Stadium: Tanger Stadium

2025

Botswana   v   DR Congo

20 February 2025 (2025-02-20) 2026 WAFCON qualifying	Botswana	v	DR Congo	Francistown, Botswana
15:00  UTC+2		Report		Stadium: Francistown Stadium

DR Congo   v   Botswana

26 February 2025 (2025-02-26) 2026 WAFCON qualifying	DR Congo	v	Botswana	Kinshasa, Congo DR
17:00  UTC+1		Report		Stadium: Stade des Martyrs

Source: globalsportsarchive.com

Coaching staff

Current coaching staff

As of 7 November 2023

Position	Name	Ref.
Head coach	Basimanebotlhe Alex Malete	[8]
Assistant coach	Tapaphiwa Tracy Gaebolae Jacqualine Lorato Gaobinelwe

Manager history

• Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang (2021–2023)
• Basimanebotlhe Alex Malete(2023-)

Players

Main article: List of Botswana women's international footballers

Current squad

• The following is the Provisional called up for the 2026 WAFCON qualifying First round named on 3 février 2025. ^[9]

Caps and goals accurate up to and including 30 October 2021.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
16	1 GK	Sedilame Boseja (captain)	(1997-12-01) 1 December 1997 (age 27)	10	0	Mamelodi Sundowns
1	1 GK	Tlamelo Pheresi	(1996-11-30) 30 November 1996 (age 28)			Gaborone United
	1 GK	Lesego Moeng	(1998-02-03) 3 February 1998 (age 27)	6	0	Ongos
1	1 GK	Doris Motshegwe	(2002-04-12) 12 April 2002 (age 22)			Wonder Girls
4	2 DF	Masego Montsho	(1991-06-15) 15 June 1991 (age 33)			Henan
4	2 DF	Oteng Bonang	(1998-12-28) 28 December 1998 (age 26)			Gaborone United
2	2 DF	Kesegofetse Mochawe	(1995-07-30) 30 July 1995 (age 29)			Gaborone United
14	2 DF	Veronicah Mogotsi	(1992-08-21) 21 August 1992 (age 32)			Double Action
	2 DF	Boitumelo Gammu	(2002-11-28) 28 November 2002 (age 22)			Ongos
9	2 DF	Mokgabo Thanda	(1993-04-03) 3 April 1993 (age 31)			Yasa Queens
8	2 DF	Lone Gaofetoge	(2001-07-16) 16 July 2001 (age 23)			Hakkarigücü Spor
3	3 MF	Nancy Baeletse	(1996-03-21) 21 March 1996 (age 28)			Gaborone United
19	3 MF	Laone Moloi	(2000-11-26) 26 November 2000 (age 24)	3	0	Gaborone United
6	3 MF	Tshegofatso Mosotho	(2002-06-19) 19 June 2002 (age 22)			Mazzoti
	3 MF	Golebaone Selebatso	(1991-03-22) 22 March 1991 (age 33)			Gaborone United
6	3 MF	Esalenna Galekhutle	(2001-01-23) 23 January 2001 (age 24)			William Carey Crusaders
15	4 FW	Balotlhanyi Johannes	(1994-06-28) 28 June 1994 (age 30)			Double Action
10	3 MF	Lesego Radiakanyo	(1999-06-27) 27 June 1999 (age 25)			Double Action
18	4 FW	Leungo Senwelo	(2001-12-23) 23 December 2001 (age 23)			Double Action
15	4 FW	Jessica Maponga				Gaborone United
13	4 FW	Keitumetse Dithebe	(2002-07-17) 17 July 2002 (age 22)			FOMGET
11	4 FW	Nondi Mahlasela	(1991-12-25) 25 December 1991 (age 33)			Prisons XI
11	4 FW	Michelle Abueng	(2001-05-06) 6 May 2001 (age 23)			BDF XI
15	4 FW	Jessica Modise	(2005-12-09) 9 December 2005 (age 19)			Gaborone United
20	4 FW	Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse	(2000-01-12) 12 January 2000 (age 25)			Gaborone United
	4 FW	Masego Nfandiso	(1998-09-22) 22 September 1998 (age 26)			Bryant & STration
18	4 FW	Peggy Manewe	(2004-12-25) 25 December 2004 (age 20)			Double Action

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up to a Botswana squad in the past 12 months.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Bame Mokibe	(1998-11-28) 28 November 1998 (age 26)	2	0	Double Action	v.   Tunisia, 15 July 2024
DF	Lorato Motlogelwa	(2003-03-24) 24 March 2003 (age 21)			Makufa SC	v.   Tunisia, 15 July 2024
DF	Desiree Kenyaditswe	(2004-02-20) 20 February 2004 (age 20)	11	0	Double Action	v.   Tunisia, 15 July 2024
DF	Neo Repito				Mexican Girls	v.   Tunisia, 15 July 2024
MF	Annah Nametso Sechane	(2001-02-07) 7 February 2001 (age 24)			Gaborone United	v.   Russia, 27 February 2024
MF	Precious Tlhapi	(2002-05-11) 11 May 2002 (age 22)			Makufa SC	v.   Tunisia, 15 July 2024
MF	Oratile Rathari	(2002-11-11) 11 November 2002 (age 22)	2	0	Double Action	v.   Tunisia, 15 July 2024
MF	Selebatso Golebaone	(1991-03-22) 22 March 1991 (age 33)	12	0	Prison	v.   Madagascar,28 October 2024
MF	Obonetse Rathari	(2002-11-11) 11 November 2002 (age 22)			Double Action	v.   Mali, 1 December 2024
FW	Dimpho Senwelo				Western Daynamites	v.   Namibia, 9 April 2024
FW	Lesego Keleboge				Security Systems	v.   Russia, 27 February 2024
FW	Refilwe Tholakele	(1996-01-26) 26 January 1996 (age 29)	15	8		v.   Tunisia, 15 July 2024
FW	Goanyadiwe Ontlametse	(2000-01-12) 12 January 2000 (age 25)			Double Action	v.   Tunisia, 15 July 2024
FW	Atang Busang				Gaborone United	v.   Mali, 1 December 2024

Previous squads

Africa Women Cup of Nations

• 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations squads

COSAFA Women's Championship

• 2020 COSAFA Women's Championship squad
• 2022 COSAFA Women's Championship squad
• 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship squad

Records

Main article: List of Botswana women's international footballers

• Active players in bold, statistics correct as of 2020.

Most capped players # Player Year(s) Caps

Top goalscorers # Player Year(s) Goals Caps

Honours

Regional

• COSAFA Women's Championship

Runners-up: 2020

Competitive record

FIFA Women's World Cup

FIFA Women's World Cup record
Year	Result	GP	W	D*	L	GF	GA	GD
1991	Did not enter
1995
1999
2003
2007
2011	Did not qualify
2015
2019
2023
2027	To be determined
Total	0/10	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Olympic Games

Summer Olympics record
Year	Result	Matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	GF	GA
1996	Did Not Enter
2000
2004
2008
2012	Did Not Qualify
2016
2021
2024
2028	To be determined
Total	0/9	0	0	0	0	0	0

Africa Women Cup of Nations

Africa Women Cup of Nations record
Year	Result	Matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	GF	GA
1991	Did not enter
1995
1998
2000
2002	Withdrew
2004	Did not enter
2006	Withdrew
2008	Did not qualify
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020	Cancelled
2022	Quarter-finals	4	1	0	3	5	7
2024	Qualified
Total	1/14	4	1	0	3	5	7

African Games

African Games record
Year	Result	Matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	GF	GA
2003	Did Not Enter
2007
2011	Did Not Qualify
2015
2019
2023
2027	TBD
Total	0/5	0	0	0	0	0	0

COSAFA Women's Championship

COSAFA Women's Championship record
Year	Round	Pld	W	D*	L	GS	GA	GD
2002	Group Stage	3	0	0	3	1	24	−23
2006	Did not enter
2008	----
2011	Group Stage	3	0	0	3	2	11	−9
2017	Group Stage	3	1	1	1	4	5	−1
2018	Group Stage	3	1	1	1	2	1	+1
2019	Fourth	4	2	1	1	4	4	0
2020	Runner -up	4	3	0	1	5	3	+2
2021	Group Stage	3	1	0	2	7	5	+2
2023	Group stage	3	1	2	0	5	2	+3
Total	Runner-up	23	9	5	12	30	55	-25

*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

All−time record against FIFA recognized nations

The list shown below shows the Djibouti national football team all−time international record against opposing nations.
*As of xxxxxx after match against xxxx.

Key

  Positive balance (more wins than losses)

  Neutral balance (as many wins as losses)

  Negative balance (more losses than wins)

Against	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Confederation

Record per opponent

*As ofxxxxx after match against xxxxx.

Key

  Positive balance (more wins than losses)

  Neutral balance (as many wins as losses)

  Negative balance (more losses than wins)

The following table shows Djibouti's all-time official international record per opponent:

Opponent	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	W%	Confederation
Total									—

See also

• Sports portal
• Games portal
• Association football portal
• Women's association football portal

• Sport in Botswana
  • Football in Botswana
    • Women's football in Botswana
• Botswana women's national under-20 football team
• Botswana women's national under-17 football team
• Botswana men's national football team

References

1. Keagakwa, City (24 February 2024). "Sundowns, GU chase Mares' stars". Botswana Guardian. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
2. Kebonang, Segametsi (24 May 2015). "Botswana: Zebras Women Make Nation Proud". Botswana Daily News. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
3. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking". FIFA. 13 December 2024. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
4. "Botswana Women". betsapi.com. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
5. Mailwane, Tshepang Moeketsi (2022-02-24). "AWCON 2022: Botswana make history and players get rewarded - Feminine zone". Sport News Africa. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
6. Boranabi, Chakalisa Dube,Lebogang Mosikare,Kabelo (2022-02-26). "Coach undeterred by contract issue". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
7. Bad start for women's football team Archived 2011-07-11 at the Wayback Machine Botswana Gazette
8. "tech staff of Botswana". twitter .
9. "The Mares Head Coach Alex Basimanebotlhe Malete has named the squad set to battle 🇨🇩 DR Congo in the next chapter of the WAFCON 2026 Qualifiers! ⚽ The journey to 🇲🇦 Morocco begins!". Botswana Football Association. 3 February 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025– via facebook.

External links

• Official website (in English)
• FIFA profile, FIFA.com (in English)
• Facebook