Botswana boost their chances with away win

Botswana boosted their qualification chances for the TotalEneries Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2022 after defeating Zimbabwe 3-1 in the first leg, last round tie at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Both teams came into the second qualifying round on a high as the Zimbabweans bounced out Eswatini 6-1 on aggregate, while Botswana thrashed Angola 7-1 on aggregate to set up an all COSAFA showdown.

The two sides struggled to create chances but failed to make the best of the moments as they shared the spoils at half time.

After the restart, the visitors looked the more ambitious side as Refilwe Tholakele broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half. Despite the hosts' push to bounce back, the Zebras remained on top and were rewarded with the second goal through Lesego Radiakanyo's strike in the 78th minute.

However, the host finally found a breakthrough as Privilege Mupeti reduced the deficit, pulling one back in the 87th minute.

Despite a two-goal lead, Botswana piled more pressure and eventually added the third courtesy of Radiakanyo's brace to hand the visitors on a comfortable lead on the brink of full time.

With the away win, the Zebras will hope to complete the bid to earn their maiden qualification to the continental stage in Francistown, where the Zimbabweans will aim to revive their dreams at Francistown Stadium on February 23.