Algeria - Botswana: Two Opposite Paths, One Goal

At the Père Jégo Stadium, this Sunday at 8 p.m. (local time), Algeria begin their sixth participation in the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON against Botswana, the emerging nation in continental Women's Football. For les Vertes it is a much-anticipated return to a tournament they are yet to conquer. For the Mares, it is confirmation that they belong to this level after a notable first appearance in 2022.

Algeria Faces Old Demons

Algeria have always had a tough relationship with the WAFCON. Qualifying for the first time in 2004, the team has always blown hot and cold. Since 2006, they have participated in every other edition (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and now 2024).

This is the first time Algeria have competed in a WAFCON in North Africa. A concern? Not really. "We feel like we are not far from home. It is motivating," sighs Imane Chebel, a key member of the team. Along with her two teammates, Morgane Belkhiter and Inès Boutaleb, she is part of the trio that took part in the 2018 edition. A tournament where Algeria showed some intent, notably in their 3-2 defeat to Mali after leading even though they were undone by inconsistency.

But since 2014 when they recorded a 1-0 victory against Ghana in the opening fixture, Algeria have not won in the finals (5 consecutive defeats). Their record is significant: 15 matches, only two wins, only once by more than two goals scored. Worse, les Fennecs have never reached the quarterfinals. A milestone they hope to finally reach, after eliminating Uganda (3-2) and then sweeping Burundi (6-1) in qualifying.

Botswana, small in size, big in will

The Mares surprised everyone in 2022. In their first-ever participation in the WAFCON, they reached the quarterfinals, where they only narrowly lost to Morocco (2-1). Their strength? A closely-knit team, a rare continuity in African Football. Of the 23 players present in Morocco, 17 were part of the 2022 adventure. Seven of them started all five matches played that year. This loyalty reflects confidence in a long-term project. "We want to prove it was not a fluke. We are coming back to do better," explained Refilwe Tholakele, a powerful striker and co-top scorer for the Mares in the last edition with two goals.

A tactical and mental battle

Algeria will have to contend with an opponent who plays without complexes. More experienced in continental competitions, les Fennecs have a little more experience. But Botswana is a difficult team to maneuver - compact and capable of rapid transitions. If Algeria scores first, they will have to learn to manage their lead – something they failed to do against Mali in 2018.

Farid Benstiti, the new Algerian coach, has long emphasized "defensive organization and seriousness in weak moments." Alongside him, Chebel, Belkhiter and Boutaleb will have to guide an ambitious but still inexperienced youthful team at the highest level.

At the Père Jégo stadium, the atmosphere promises to be subdued, but the intensity on the pitch could be fiery.

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