The Batswana head coach, Alex Malete has said his side must be ready for a difficult duel against the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Prompt News reports.
The Mares will face the nine-time champions in a make or mar contest at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca on Thursday (today).
Malete’s side lost their first game 1-0 against Algeria, and are hoping for a better result against Nigeria.
“Tomorrow’s (today) game against Nigeria is an opportunity for us. An opportunity that we cannot afford not to take,” he said during a pre-match press conference.
“We didn’t start the tournament very well. We believe that tomorrow we have to play every moment, every second, from the first minute to the last minute. Something that we didn’t do well against Algeria.”
Botswana failed to make it beyond the group stage on their maiden appearance three years ago in Morocco.
Defeat to Nigeria could seem exit the competition early again.
Malete is optimistic they can advance to the quarter-finals this time around.
“We’re confident and positive that we can qualify for the quarterfinals. Everyone in the group has a strong belief that we can pull through and make it to the next round,” he added.
“Most importantly, we believe in each other and believe in our system and structure.”
