23 Sep 2026

The senior national football team, Zebras begin their bid for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals with a difficult away assignment against Libya aka The Mediterranean Knights at the Tripoli International Stadium in Libya today.

Botswana’s opening Group H encounter comes against a familiar opponent, with Libya having won the last two meetings between the sides by a 1-0 scoreline.

The most recent came in September 2024 when Libya edged Botswana 1-0 in a friendly at the same Tripoli venue. 

The North Africans had also claimed a 1-0 victory over the Zebras in the opening match of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers in Benghazi. 

That record gives Libya reason for confidence ahead of the encounter, although the hosts will themselves enter the match with a relatively new-look technical setup.

Senegalese coach, Youssoupha Dabo was appointed Libya’s head coach in July, replacing compatriot Aliou Cissé. 

Dabo previously served as Cissé’s assistant with the national team, giving him familiarity with the squad while also bringing a new voice ahead of the AFCON campaign. Libya’s most recent international outings also point to a side that can be difficult to separate from. They drew 0-0 with Niger before playing out a 2-2 draw against Liberia in March. The Zebras will have to avoid another narrow defeat and start the campaign with points on the road.

They also have little time to dwell on next week’s result, as they return home to face Tunisia on September 28 in their second Group H fixture.

With Libya, Tunisia and Uganda making up the group, Botswana will know that a positive start away from home could provide an important foundation for the campaign.

Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm. ENDS