Botswana head coach Morena Ramoreboli remains optimistic as his team prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Zebras, placed in Group D alongside Senegal, DR Congo, and Benin, face a tough challenge, but Ramoreboli believes the similarities in their opponents’ playing styles give Botswana an advantage in their preparations.
A tactical approach to Group D
The 35th edition of the AFCON is set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with Botswana returning to the tournament for the first time since 2012.
Speaking about his team’s group-stage opponents, Ramoreboli acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead but expressed confidence in Botswana’s ability to compete.
“Facing nations like Benin, DR Congo, and Senegal will help us gain valuable experience,” Ramoreboli stated. “These teams share a relatively similar style of play because they come from the same region.
This allows us to better prepare and understand how we need to approach each match.
Despite Botswana being considered underdogs in the group, Ramoreboli is determined to lead his team to a competitive showing in Morocco.
We will do our best to have a great tournament. I am truly optimistic about Botswana’s performance at AFCON 2025, he added.
Botswana’s long-awaited return to Africa’s biggest stage
Botswana’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON marks a significant milestone in the country’s football history.
The Zebras last appeared in the tournament in 2012, exiting in the group stage after a tough campaign.
Their return to Africa’s most prestigious competition is a sign of progress, and the team is eager to make a stronger impression this time around.
With an ambitious coach in Ramoreboli and a squad determined to prove itself, Botswana will look to challenge the tournament favorites and potentially cause an upset in Group D.
The road ahead will not be easy, but the coach’s tactical awareness and belief in his squad suggest the Zebras will not be in Morocco just to make up the numbers.
As the AFCON 2025 countdown continues, all eyes will be on Botswana to see if they can defy expectations and make a lasting impact on the competition.
