Botswana’s national football team, the Zebras, have announced a 26-man squad for their opening matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Mauritania and Egypt. Head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa revealed the squad on Wednesday following a series of training sessions to finalize the lineup.
The selection, which includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and seven forwards, is predominantly composed of players from the Botswana Premier League and other African championships.
The squad is set to face Mauritania on September 7, followed by a home match against Egypt three days later.
“This team, built on hard work and youthful energy, is driven by a shared determination to succeed on the international stage,” the Botswana Football Association stated.
As the Zebras prepare for their first match against Mauritania, followed by a challenge against Egypt, the team’s ambition to make an impact in the qualifiers is clear.
Botswana Squad for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Goitseone Phoko, Kabelo Dambe, Kenneth Moko.
Defenders: Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Tebogo Kopelang, Nico Thabo Babutsi, Alford Velaphi, Motsholestsi Sikele, Tlamelo Kolagano, Benson Mangolo.
Midfielders: Gape Mohutsiwa, Olebogeng Ramotse, Rathlogo R. Rathlogo, Koketso Majafi, Thatayaone KGamanyane, Gape Thibedi, Gilbert Baruti, Gift Moto.
Forwards: Tumisang Orebonye, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Molaodi Tlhalefang, Thabang Sesinyi, Segolame Boy, Bakang Tsholang, Ronaldo Fortune.
The squad reflects a mix of experience and new talent, with a strong focus on local players who have proven themselves in domestic and regional competitions.
Botswana will look to build on this foundation as they embark on their quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
