Botswana coach Morena Ramoreboli says his team remain firmly in the hunt for World Cup qualification as they prepare to face Algeria in Blida on Thursday.
Speaking in the mixed zone 24 hours before the Group C clash at the Hocine-Aït-Ahmed Stadium, the South African expressed belief that the Zebras still have everything to play for despite the scale of the challenge ahead.
We have 9 points in the standings, three less than Mozambique who occupy second place. We are not dead in the race to qualify. Against Algeria, it will be a crucial 90 minutes for us, Ramoreboli declared.
Algeria, who are backed by a fervent home crowd and guided by coach Vladimir Petković, enter the contest as strong favourites.
The Greens trained on the stadium pitch on Wednesday evening before making way for Botswana, who were given their own session to adjust to the conditions.
Ramoreboli, however, was quick to stress that the occasion represented more than just another qualifier.
For him, it is a moment for his players to test themselves on one of the continent’s biggest stages.
We know the stadium will be full and the Algerian fans will be pushing their team. It will put enormous pressure on them, but it’s an opportunity for my players to prove they can handle it. We’ll do everything we can to come away with a positive result, he said.
Botswana currently sit three points behind Mozambique in the race for second place, which would keep them in contention for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
A victory in Algeria would not only keep their hopes alive but also mark one of the most significant results in their qualification history.
Ramoreboli acknowledged the intensity of the challenge but maintained that the Zebras’ spirit and determination remain intact.
His comments underline a sense of resilience that has become a hallmark of Botswana’s campaign, even as they confront one of Africa’s most formidable sides.
For Algeria, Thursday’s match is equally significant as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the group.
The clash promises to be a test of Botswana’s ability to withstand relentless pressure while trying to carve out opportunities of their own.
With both teams fine-tuning preparations under the floodlights in Blida, anticipation is building for what could prove a defining moment in the group’s qualification battle.
Algérie-Botswana (J-1) : Chaibi, Amoura et Kebbal s’expriment #TeamDZ
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