World Cup Qualifying - Africa | Group Stage

Mar 21, 2025 at 1pm UK

Francistown Stadium

Botswana vs Algeria

Match preview

Botswana kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-2 home defeat to Mozambique on 16 November 2023, before a shock 1-0 win over Guinea five days later.

The Zebras went down 1-0 to Uganda in their first two qualifiers, but bounced back with a 3-1 win over Somalia to finish third in their group with six points, three behind Friday's opponents.

However, their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup suffered a blow with the resignation of former coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa, who left to take charge of Al Ahli.

However, Morena Ramoreboli stepped in on an interim basis and led the team to two draws in their final two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, enough to secure a place at the continental showpiece for only the second time in their history.

Now in charge, Ramoreboli and his charges will be in high spirits, but the Zebras will be wary of the threat posed by Algeria, who won three of their four qualifying games.

The home side will be buoyed by their current four-match unbeaten run in competitive matches.

Victory for the home side would not only move them level on nine points with Algeria, but would also be their first ever win over the North Africans in a competitive match.

Algeria have made a near-perfect start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with three wins, the only blemish being a 2-1 defeat to Guinea.

Apart from that defeat in June, the visitors are unbeaten in their last seven matches, with five wins and one draw.

Five of those victories came in qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, giving Vladimir Petkovic's side a chance to atone for their disastrous campaign in Côte d'Ivoire, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Sitting level on points with Mozambique, the Fennecs will be desperate to stay at the top of the standings as the race for 2026 draws to a close.

Having missed out on the last two editions of the World Cup, the Fennecs will be desperate to return to the global stage.

The visitors will be in a confident mood ahead of the clash, relying on a ferocious attack and a resolute defence that has seen them score 16 goals and concede just three in six outings.

Recent Performance

Botswana World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:LW

Botswana form (all competitions):LLWWDD

Algeria World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:LW

Algeria form (all competitions):WWWWDW

Team News

Botswana have no injury concerns ahead of Friday's clash, meaning coach Morena Ramoreboli has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Meanwhile, Theo Shadikong and Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi have earned their first call-ups, although they are unlikely to feature in this contest.

Reneilwe Batlokwa, an exciting young prospect, is also in the squad and could earn his first cap on Friday.

Vladimir Petkovic has a strong squad to choose from against the South Africans, but will be without the likes of Mohamed Amine Tougai, Ramiz Zerrouki and Baghdad Bounedjah.

On the plus side, the match will mark the return of Youcef Belaili, who last featured for Algeria at the 2023 AFCON.

Possible starting lineup

Botswana possible starting lineup:

Phoko; Ditlhokwe, Gaolaolwe, Leinanyane, Kopelang; Ditsele, Modingwane, Batlokwa; Orebonye, Seakanyeng, Setsile

Algeria possible starting lineup:

Guendouz; Mandi, Bensebaini, Atal; Ait-Nouri, Chaibi, Bennacer, Kendouci; Gouiri, Mahrez; Belaili