The Botswana senior women's football team bus was stoned in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday while traveling to training, a development described as a case of mistaken identity.
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) confirmed the incident ahead of the Mares’ 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations first round second leg match on Wednesday at 17:00 GMT.
“During this time, an individual who appeared agitated threw an object believed to be a brick or stone at the team bus before walking away. While the individual's intentions remain unclear, following a thorough assessment by our security team, it is believed that the person may have mistakenly identified the bus as a public transport vehicle,” BFA’s statement reads.
The BFA has since moved in to quell fears saying the Mares are safe in Kinshasa where they will face their DRC counterparts at Complexe Omnisports Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Botswana lost the first leg 2-0 at Obed Itan Stadium in Francistown on February 20, a game after which the hosts’ coach Alex Malete bemoaned poor finishing. The Mares coach remains optimistic of upsetting the hosts and advancing to the second round.
The Mares’ squad comprises America-based stars Esalenna Galekhutle and Masego Nfandiso who play college soccer in the country.
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