03 Sep 2025

The Zebras quest for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues on September 4, as they take on Group G leaders Algeria in a crucial do-or-die encounter at Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Algeria.

With Algeria pegged at the top, the Zebras have to turn their 3-1 first round loss into victory to ensure that they remain in the race to qualify for the global sport event. Botswana currently sits on position three with nine points, while Algeria has 15 and Mozambique has 12 points.

A drop of points against Algeria would see the Zebras go down to the number four spot if either Uganda or Guinea wins. Uganda has nine points while Guinea at number 5 has seven points and victory will propel it to number three, above Uganda and Botswana.

Following the expansion of AFCON teams at the FIFA World Cup, nine group winners automatically qualify and four best group runners-up will play in the play-offs to determine the team that occupies the final slot.

Therefore, as Algeria remains determined to qualify, the Zebras must not lose its game although the odds are against them with The Desert Warriors remaining favourites. One important question is that do the Zebras have that energy to run for 90 minutes and close their space to deny those dangerous moves from their opponents.

Again playing against North African countries can be a daunting task, given that opponents play not only against the team but the crowd as well. The Zebras head coach Morena Ramoreboli said in an interview that the boys were ready and they would try to level best to commit to positive results.

He said despite the fact that morale was high in camp, they were managing Gape Mohutsiwa as he arrived with a knock from his team. He said time was now for other players like Mothusi Copper to stand up and be counted. Ramoreboli said they were aware that they would not be playing against the team but the crowd as well, emphasising the need for players to be focused.  ENDS