After going down 3-0 to Egypt in their opening match at the Cairo International Stadium, Cape Verde's dream of a fifth AFCON appearance was rekindled with a 2-0 win over Mauritania in their second match.

Ryan Mendes, who was part of the attacking trio, was the hero of the day, scoring a brace, the first from the penalty spot in the first half and the second in the 75th minute.

The result leaves the Blue Sharks second in Group C on three points, just ahead of third-placed Mauritania, who have the same number of points but a worse goal difference.

The upcoming matches against Botswana, the first encounters between the two nations, will be crucial in determining the final standings in the group.

The Blue Sharks have been defensively resilient in recent matches, keeping six clean sheets in their last eight games in all competitions, and have also been impressive at home, where they are unbeaten in their last five matches, winning four and drawing one.

Meanwhile, Botswana's hopes of a second AFCON - their only appearance came in 2012 - look set to be delayed after a poor start to the current qualifying campaign.

Didier Gomes Da Rosa's side lost 1-0 to Mauritania in their opening game before being thrashed 4-0 by Egypt in their second outing a few days later.

The defeats extended Botswana's winless run in all competitions to five matches - two draws and three defeats - and left them bottom of Group C with no points, having conceded five and scored none.

Didier Gomes was appointed head coach of the Zebras in November ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and has managed just two wins, both in World Cup qualifiers.

The home side have also failed to score in seven of 12 games under the Frenchman, while conceding 14 times in the process.

Cape Verde fielded a front-three of Gilson Tavares, Mendes and Helio Varela in their last outing, and they could retain that attacking trio for Thursday's clash.

Mendes, the Blue Sharks' all-time leading scorer with 20 goals, will be the man to watch, while Dailon Livramento and Willy Semedo will be hoping to start after coming on as substitutes in the last match.

Botswana, meanwhile, will be without Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Mpho Kgaswane, who picked up injuries while playing for their clubs.

Midfielder Gape Mohutsiwa has been in fine form in their opening two defeats and will be crucial if the Zebras are to pull off an upset.

Cape Verde possible starting lineup:

Varela; Fernandes, Costa, Diney, Moreira; D. Duarte, L. Duarte, Pina; Mendes, Tavares, Varela

Botswana possible starting lineup:

Phoko; Mangolo, Ditlhokwe, Kopelang, Velaphi; Mohutsiwa, Gaolaolwe, Majafi; Ramotse, Orebonye, Seakanyeng

Prediction:Cape Verde 2-0 Botswana

Cape Verde VS Botswana stream and TV listing

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