25 Feb 2025

The senior women football team, The Mares are expected to redeem their pride as they face the Leopards dames of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a WAFCON 2026 qualifier second leg clash to be played at Complexe Omnisports Stade des Martyrs, in Kinshasa today.

The Mares suffered a 2-0 defeat in a game played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, in Francistown last week Thursday through Lone Gaofetoge’s own goal and a strike by Gloria Mabomba.

If The Mares want to keep their dream of advancing to the next leg, they must beat The Leopard dames 3-0 in their own back yard.

The Mares played an experienced team on paper and on the field, as they mastered playing in moments and critical phases. 

They scored in the opening minutes of the game and in the last minutes of the game and that is testament to their ability to score and manage the game.

However, playing away from home makes it more difficult for The Mares and this therefore, means they must apply some tactics to try and overcome their opponents.

It is important for them to net an early goal, because that alone will put the game to bed and it will make it difficult for them to push.

Self-confidence and belief will be out through the window if they score first and that will require a solid character to come back into the game. 

The most important thing again is for them to go all out and look for an early goal as that would help them to settle and open up the game.

Should The Mares score first, that would allow them to get back into the game and believe that they can win.

An early goal will shake DRC  and force them to play an open game.

They should relax and master game management and game plan, during the first leg. 

In Francistown, during the second half, The Mares played much better and it is important for them to carry it from there if they want to win the game. ENDS