Botswana’s lethal striker Michelle Abueng struck five goals to give the side a massive advantage going into the next round of African qualifiers for the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

Botswana were superb as they put one foot in the next round of qualifying after securing a 7-0 win away against Namibia.

Botswana came into the match with a positive mindset, wanting an away goal. The last time the two met was in 2018 AUSC Region 5 when Botswana became victorious after stunning them 1-0.

Botswana scored their first goal on the second minute through Abueng and continued to torment Namibia’s defence as they had to work overtime marking her. She scored a hatrick before halftime, while Obonetse Rathari netted the fourth goal.

Second half saw Gaobinelwe’s girls continuing where they left as they scored three more goals – two by Abueng, and Tebatso Pilane the seventh.

“The girls did exactly what we asked them to do and that is to score goals, I am very proud of them,” Botswana coach Jacqueline Gaobinelwe said.

‘’We have also seen our mistakes we will rectify them back home before our return leg.”

Namibia’s coach Mamie Kasoana said they started preparations very late.

“We were told on Saturday that we must report for camp on Sunday and our players are really staying far, so they arrived here tired. I think we could have been told earlier so that we prepare earlier just like our opponents.

“I hope we will prepare better for the return leg as we now have two weeks.

The winner between the two will face victorious team between South Africa and Zambia. The return leg will be played on January 31 in Gaborone at the National Stadium.

Other qualification results:

Zambia 0 South Africa 2
Sierra Leone 0 Senegal 1
Burkina Faso 3 Gambia 2
Malawi 1 Zimbabwe 1
Tanzania 2 Uganda 1

By Gaone Pearl Kerileng