22 Mar 2025

Botswana has slipped down to position four in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after suffering a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Algeria at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown yesterday.

Both teams were eager for visitory to enhance their chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States next year. Algeria came into the match leading the group with nine points while the Zebras were third with six.

Spured on by a partisan crowd, the Zebras produced a courageous fight in the first half and had a promising opportunity through striker Tumisang Orebonye, whose attempt was comfortably saved by Algerian goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz.

However, the Desert Foxes of Algeria dominated possession and effectively controlled the midfield. Despite their ball control, the north African powerhouse which has qualified four times previously for the FIFA World Cup,  struggled to break through the Zebras defence with their star Riyad Mahrez and Amine Gouiri facing difficulties to find scoring opportunities.

Their breakthrough however came in the 43rd minute when Gouiri snatched the opening goal after sloppy goalkeeping by Zebras goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, scoring with a header to give Algeria a 1-0 lead going into halftime.

The Desert Foxes maintained pressure after the break and doubled their lead in the 51st minute after a well-coordinated play from the defence resulted with Mohammed el Amine Amoura scoring with a well taken shot.

Despite the setback, the Zebras fought back and their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Tebogo Kopelang found the net. There was confusion initially after the assistant referee flagged for offside, but the goal was awarded after the referee overruled the decision from his assistant.

The Zebras joy was however short-lived. Just three minutes later el Amine Amoura struck again to restore Algeria's two goal cushion.

Zebras head coach Morena Ramoreboli made a double substitution in the 78th minute, bringing in Benson Mangolo and Gift Moyo. However, neither team could find the net again as the Desert Foxes sealed a 3-1 victory and maintained their lead of Group G with 12 points from five matches. The Zebras dropped down to position four with six points from five matches.

In the post-match press conference, Ramoreboli praised his players for their bravery and effort despite the loss. He acknowledged the need for improvement in defence, particularly in set-piece situations, and emphasised the importance of converting scoring opportunities.

Algerian head coach Petkovic Vladimir acknowledged the challenges faced during the match, including the high temperature and the determined performance of the Zebras.

The Zebras will face Somalia at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium on Tuesday next week as the battle for qualification continues. The group winners will qualify directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the four best group runners-up will advance to a play-off to determine which team will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs. ENDS