Botswana name squad for Uganda double-header in 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Botswana head coach Thaloba Nthaga has announced his squad for the upcoming double-header against Uganda as the Zebras continue their campaign in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The squad, which features a blend of locally based players and professionals plying their trade abroad, was selected for the two encounters against the Cranes in November as Botswana seek their first victory in the qualifying campaign.

Botswana are scheduled to face Uganda at the Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with the return fixture forming the second part of the double-header.

The Zebras have collected two points from their opening two qualifying matches after drawing 2-2 against Libya and Tunisia, respectively. Those results leave Nthaga’s side looking to turn their competitive performances into victories as the race for qualification intensifies.

The coach has retained a mixture of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, with several players from Botswana’s domestic league featuring alongside footballers competing in Morocco, Saudi Arabia and other foreign leagues.

Among the notable names in the squad are defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, who plays for Al-Wehdat SC, midfielder Gape Mohutsiwa of Moroccan side Ittihad Tanger, and forward Tumisang Orebonye, who represents Hassania Union Sport d’Agadir.

Kabelo Seakanyeng, who plays for Al Entsar in Saudi Arabia, and Losika Ratshukudo, based in Croatia with Bolepu, are also included as Botswana look to strengthen their attacking options.

The squad’s domestic contingent includes players from Gaborone United, Jwaneng Galaxy, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Tonota FC, among others.

Nthaga will hope his selections provide the necessary balance and attacking threat to help the Zebras secure positive results against Uganda and improve their position in the qualifying standings.

Botswana will now turn their attention to preparations for the Uganda encounter, knowing that positive results across the two matches could prove crucial to their hopes of reaching the 2027 AFCON finals.

Botswana squad:

Goalkeepers: Goitseone Phoko (Siwele FC, South Africa), Thabo Motswagole (Gaborone United), Victor James (Caps United, Zimbabwe).

Defenders: Mosha Gaolaolwe (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Al-Wehdat SC), Tebogo Kopelang (Jwaneng Galaxy), Botsile Sakana (Jwaneng Galaxy), Alford Velaphi (Gaborone United), Benson Mangolo (Gaborone United), Chicco Molefe (Jwaneng Galaxy), Thato Mosweunyane (Tonota FC).

Midfielders: Godiraone Modingwane (BDF XI), Lebogang Ditsile (Gaborone United), Olebogeng Ramotse (Jwaneng Galaxy), Gape Mohutsiwa (Ittihad Tanger, Morocco), Gilbert Baruti (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Omphile Ramoagi (Gaborone United), Mothusi Cooper (Tonota FC).

Attackers: Losika Ratshukudo (Bolepu, Croatia), Tumisang Orebonye (Hassania Union Sport d’Agadir, Morocco), Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Gaborone United), Thero Setsile (Tonota FC), Thabo Maponda (Gaborone United), Godfrey Tauyatswala (Jwaneng Galaxy), Odirile Lekoba (Enesia FC), Kabelo Seakanyeng (Al Entsar FC, Saudi Arabia).