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The Zebras’ AFCON 2025 Opponents Revealed

The wait is finally over as on January 27, 2025, the eagerly-awaited Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 took place in Rabat, with the 24 competing teams discovering their groupings.

Botswana will face three formidable opponents, Senegal, a true powerhouse in African football; will be one of the top contenders in Group D. The reigning champions of the 2021 AFCON, enters this year’s tournament as a major threat, with a recent history of success. Their current world ranking of 17 and a strong CAF standing at number 2 further highlight their prominence on the continental stage

The Democratic Republic of Congo, with a rich AFCON history, boasts two championships in 1968 and 1974. Although their world ranking currently stands at 61, they remain a respected force in African football. With 21 appearances in the AFCON, DR Congo is a team that always has the potential to surprise, and their strong CAF ranking of 11 underscores their competitive stature.

Benin, making their fifth appearance in the AFCON, is a team on the rise. Having made it to the quarter-finals in 2019, Benin has proven that they can be tough opponents on the continental stage. Although their world ranking is currently at 94, and their CAF ranking stands at 21, the team’s growing strength and recent success show that they can challenge the bigger teams.

With a diverse and experienced set of competitors in Group D, the Zebras, despite their limited AFCON experience — having only participated in the group stages in 2012—are determined to show their growth and potential. With a current world ranking of 136 and a CAF ranking of 43, Botswana is ready to take on their more established opponents and make a strong impression at the AFCON in Morocco.

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Ramoreboli Names Final Zebras Squad For World Cup Qualifiers

The Botswana national football team, “The Zebras”, are gearing up for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with head coach Morena Ramoreboli announcing his final 26-man squad ahead of the crucial fixtures against Algeria and Somalia.

The Zebras will continue their journey towards securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two important matches scheduled for later this month. They will face Algeria on March 21, 2025, followed by a clash with Somalia on March 25, 2025.

Ramoreboli had previously named an expanded provisional squad of 49 players last month as part of his preparations for the World Cup qualifiers. This final selection brings the squad down to 26 players, who will now look to deliver on the road to the World Cup Finals, to be held next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Among the notable inclusions in the squad are Theo Shadikong, a midfielder from TAFIC, and Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi, a defender also from TAFIC. Both players are receiving their first call-ups to the senior team. Another exciting addition is Reneilwe Batlokwa, a midfielder who plays in England for Maldo and Tiptree.

With these fresh faces, Ramoreboli’s squad brings a blend of experience and new talent, as Botswana aims to build momentum in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

 

 

The final 26-man squad is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS

Lesenya Malapela

Kabelo Maphakela

Goitseone Phoko

DEFENDERS

Alford Velaphi

Kitso Mangolo

Mothusi Johnson

Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi

Thabo Leinanyane

Tebogo Kopelang

Mosha Gaolalwe

Thatayaone Ditlhokwe

MIDFIELDERS

Gift Moyo

Gilbert Baruti

Lebogang Ditsile

Godiraone Modingwane

Koketso Majafi

Gape Mohutsiwa

Reneilwe Batlokwa

Theo Shadikong

FORWARDS

Segolame Boy

Tshepo Kelebale

Kabelo Seakanyeng

Thero Setsile

Thabang Sesinyi

Godfrey Tauyatswala

Tumisang Orebonye

 

 

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