CAF decision to lift Togo's suspension meant that Group K matches start earlier than initially scheduled. Togo was put in the Zebras' group, which also includes Tunisia, Malawi, Chad and Togo. It is the only group in the qualifiers that consists of five teams. The decision increased the Zebras' chances of qualifying as the two top teams in that group automatically qualify for AFCON. By the time the World Cup dust settled, Zebras were sitting comfortably at the top of their group.
The 1-0 victory against Tunisia away was seen by most as a fluke but people started taking much notice of the Zebras' capability when they went on to beat Chad in Gaborone and drew 1-1 with Malawi in Blantyre. Togo became the next victims but the game that will be mostly remembered is Zebras' last game of the year, against Tunisia in Gaborone last month. The assumption was that Tunisia would seek revenge and would play a game of their lives but the Zebras stood their ground and Jerome Ramatlhwakwana's solitary effort settled the matter.Zebras are now sitting comfortably at the top of their group with 13 points.
