11 Feb 2021

The Zebras’ provisional squad reported for camp on Tuesday to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers clash against Zimbabwe, to be played next month.

Only locally based players are on the 10-day training camp, while foreign-based players will attend the second one from March 1.

The Zebras are in Group H with Algeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and are currently in position three having accumulated four points from four games.

They won against Zambia at home and drew with Zimbabwe and lost two.

A win against Zimbabwe will see the Zebras occupying position two which might give them a golden opportunity to qualify for the finals to be played in Cameroon next year. 

The two teams met in Zimbabwe for the first leg and they played to a goalless draw.

Zebras coach, Adel Amrouche, knows the importance of the fixture given that the nation is longing to make it to the AFCON finals for the second time.

The last time Botswana was amongst other football nations at the AFCON finals was in 2012 when Equatorial Guinea and Gabon co-hosted the cup.

In an interview, Botswana Football Association (BFA) spokesperson, Tumo Mpatane said the coach had called players such as Lopang Mosegi from Orapa United, Thabiso Boti from Notwane and Sua Flamengo’s Mpho Stephen for the first time to give the technical team an opportunity to assess them.

“They were looking at players who can assist the national team in its endeavour to qualify for AFCON,” he said.

Furthermore, Mpatane said the focus was on two countries that Botswana was yet to beat.

The Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Ezekiel Morake, Kabelo Dambe, Goitseone Phoko, Lesenya Malapela.

Defenders: Tshepo Maikano, Moagi Sechele, Stephen, Onkarabile Ratanang, Lesenya Ramoroka, Mothusi Johnson, Kitso Mangolo, Thendai Kesekile, Mosah Gaolaolwe,

Midfielders: Gofaone Molapi, Basiamisi Sebapalo, Mosegi, Fortunate Thulare, Gape Gaogangwe, Molebatsi Tlhalefo, Bakang Tsholang, Tshepo Ngwako

Strikers: Mishiani Thupa, Onkabetse Makgantai, Boti, Elias Mbatshi, Resaobaka Thatanyane, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Kobamelo Kebaikanye and Thero Setsile. ENDS