Tunisia – Botswana, Giving Their All to Survive
Tunisia: "No other solution but to win"
Beaten by Nigeria (3-0), held to a goalless draw by Algeria, Tunisia no longer have a choice: only a victory can keep them alive in this continental competition. And, according to coach Kamel Saada, the objective is clear. "We have no other solution than to win. The team is focused. We are 100% ready."
Aware of the regrets that accompanied the draw against Algeria – notably an encouraging first half and missed opportunities – the Tunisian national team refocused on the essentials: efficiency. "We worked on our finishing, our realism. We can't afford to miss again," insists Saada, who knows that Botswana offers a very different profile from previous opponents: "It's not Nigeria, it's not Algeria. Botswana is a different physical and tactical profile."
In this context, Tunisia also relies on the experience of their key players. Cherine Lamti, a solid midfielder and technical leader, emphatically repeats: "We must win. We know that. We will give everything for the country. And above all, stay together." This is a way to affirm the unity of a squad often in reconstruction, but which retains their continental ambitions intact.
Botswana: The Energy of Hope
For Botswana, the equation is more complex. Beaten by Algeria and Nigeria 1-0 in both matches, the Mares have still not found the back of the net. Yet, coach Alex Malete's words show no sign of giving up. "We still have an opportunity. It's not in our hands, but it exists. It's up to us to play our cards to the fullest."
And if resilience has become a key word for this squad, it is because their performances have hinted at a potential that is still maturing. "What we showed against Nigeria for 88 minutes and against Algeria in the second half was our true colours. Now we have to repeat that and add some attacking precision."
To achieve this, Botswana are banking on team spirit and a strengthened mentality. "We had a choice: feel sorry for ourselves or do something for tomorrow. We chose to believe in it," Malete emphasized. The coach, a master in the art of building a positive environment, insists: "With us, personality trumps talent. It's the mentality that makes the difference."
Two teams with their backs against the wall
Mathematically, the calculation is simple: a three-point Tunisian victory would propel the Carthage Eagles Women to four points and likely into the quarterfinals, depending on other results.
On the Botswana side, the scenarios are more complicated. But on the eve of the match, no one dares to look too closely at the standings. Starting with Botswana player Esalenna Galekhutle: "We don't know what tomorrow holds, but what we can promise is that we'll give it our all. We'll fight for every ball."
A tense, yet controlled match
This final Group B match promises to be tense, but tactically very tight. Both teams know that the first goal will swing the match. Tunisia, often comfortable in quick transitions, will have to be wary of a compact, disciplined Botswana team with an excellent goalkeeper, as Kamel Saada acknowledged: "Their goalkeeper [Maitumelo Boseja] stopped everything against Niger. She's one of their assets."
The only remaining factor is the ability to translate intentions into action. "We have to score. That's the only way out," Saada repeats like a mantra. On the other hand, Malete calls for a fast-paced, forward-thinking game, but without naivety: "It will be highly tactical. Match management will be decisive."
Beyond the result, this match also reveals something about the trajectories of both nations. Tunisia, who have gradually established themselves on the continental Women's Football scene, dream of a second consecutive qualification for the knockout stage. Botswana, a surprise quarterfinalist at the last edition in 2022 in their debut appearance, want to prove that their emergence was no fluke. They deserve to be at this stage.
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