Substitute Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse delivered a last-gasp winner as Botswana edged Tunisia 2-1 in a gripping Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash, keeping their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.
In a moment of brilliance deep into stoppage time, Ontlametse exhibited remarkable poise in the 95th minute, chesting down a right-wing delivery with control before unleashing a half-volley into the net, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Botswana bench.
With Nigeria and Algeria already securing the top two spots in the group, this match became a showdown for third place and potential progression as one of the best third-placed finishers.
Tunisia started with intent and found an early breakthrough through Yesmin Khanchouch, who capped off an intricate team move with a composed finish from inside the penalty area in the 12th minute.
Botswana struggled to break down Tunisia’s defence and resorted to shooting from distance throughout the first half, heading into the interval trailing.
Their persistence eventually paid off in the 66th minute. A long ball floated over the top caused confusion at the back for Tunisia, with defender Myriam Bayahia misjudging the bounce under pressure from Lesego Radiakanyo.
The Botswana forward pounced and squeezed a shot into the bottom right corner to make it 1-1.
The Mares continued to push forward, and in the 89th minute, Obonetse Oratile Rathari tested Tunisian goalkeeper Salima Jobrani with a powerful effort from range, drawing a fine save.
Rathari appeared to have turned provider moments later, setting up Ontlametse for a close-range finish, but the goal was chalked off after VAR revealed that Rathari had been narrowly offside during the build-up.
Still, Botswana remained undeterred. In the dying seconds of the match, Refilwe Tholakele whipped in a cross from the right that Ontlametse controlled with finesse before firing past the keeper to seal a stunning victory.
Botswana’s fate now hinges on results from the remaining group-stage matches on Tuesday, while Tunisia bows out of the competition.
