Nthaga confident after bright start
Mqondisi Dube | Friday October 2, 2026 10:26
Botswana opened their account against Libya last Thursday, with a Tumisang Orebonye double putting the Zebras on course for a famous victory. However, the hosts fought back late to ensure the spoils were shared. On Monday, the Zebras held Tunisia to a 2-2 draw, leaving Botswana unbeaten after their opening two matches. Next up, the Zebras travel to Uganda in November to face next year’s finals co-hosts.
Uganda have already qualified by virtue of hosting the tournament, leaving Botswana, Libya, and Tunisia to battle for the remaining Group H spot. The fixtures appear favourable to the Zebras, who will conclude their campaign with home matches against Uganda, Libya, and Tunisia. The encounters against Libya and Tunisia are scheduled for March next year. In an interview, Nthaga said his side has a good chance of qualifying after collecting two points from matches in which the Zebras displayed plenty of grit and determination.
“We are in with a very good chance, provided we do well in our home games,” he said.
The coach described the FIFA window as a positive one, although he felt his side could have done better against Libya after surrendering a two-goal lead. The Zebras have been free-scoring, finding the net four times in their opening two fixtures. However, they have also conceded four goals, a concern Nthaga readily acknowledged as he vowed to address the defensive lapses.
“Yes, I am happy that we created chances and took them. This is how I would like the team to play. We will obviously make some mistakes at the back. But if you look at the manner in which we conceded against Libya, we could have done better, even today (against Tunisia). It is something we need to look into and see how we improve,” he said.
The Zebras looked more assured against Tunisia, absorbing sustained pressure while making the most of their opportunities. Goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko produced an assortment of saves to keep Botswana in the contest, whilst Gape Mohutsiwa and Godiraone Modingwana worked tirelessly in midfield. Veteran striker Tumisang Orebonye remained the focal point whenever the Zebras sought a route to the Tunisian goal. However, it was young Losika Ratshukudu who stole the spotlight with a composed display in an attacking midfield role.