Botswana’s women’s national team, the Mares, will be strengthened by the return of key players Lone Gaofetoge and Nandi Mahlasela as they prepare for a must-win Group B encounter against the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Both players missed the Mares’ opening match, a narrow 1-0 defeat to Algeria, due to suspension.
Mahlasela was sidelined after accumulating back-to-back yellow cards in the qualifiers against Kenya, while Gaofetoge served her ban after cautions received in games against Kenya and Gabon.
Head coach Alex Malete will be counting on their experience as Botswana seeks to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
A loss against the nine-time African champions would all but end their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
The two teams last met at the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco, where Nigeria edged Botswana 1-0 in the group phase.
Thursday’s high-stakes clash is set to take place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off scheduled for 8 p.m. Nigeria time.