The Ntungamili Raguin-inspired side made a solid start on Wednesday against Ghana, as Botswana pushes for promotion, just a year after making the leap from Group V. Botswana fought hard to secure victory over the West Africans, with Mark Nawa going down in the opening singles match. This left Raguin with all to do to rescue the contest and keep Botswana's hopes alive. Raguin did so, battling from a set down to defeat Ghana's number one, Abraham Asaba 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Raguin then partnered with Batsomi Marobela in the deciding doubles match, and the duo emerged victorious 6-4, 6-2 against Asaba and Lameck Bagerbaseh. It was Botswana's first Davis Cup victory over Ghana, who had a previous 3-0 head-to-head record. Looking to build on the opening day victory, Botswana was pegged back when Nawa lost the opening singles match, before Raguin again sent the contest into the doubles decider. But this time, the Kenyan duo of Kael Shah and Zayyan Virani overcame Raguin and Marobela in a close contest which lasted three sets. Eyes will be on how the team responds going into the last match of the round today, with Raguin again shouldering much of the burden. Last year, in July, it was Raguin who carried the team, ensuring promotion at the expense of Madagascar in front of the home crowd in Gaborone. Raguin's strong form on the circuit since last year, which saw him reach his first junior grand slam at the Australian Open, has added fresh impetus to Team Botswana's zeal. His determination has been evident, and whilst nothing can be taken away from the contribution of Nawa and Marobela, the 2025 Junior Sports Person of the Year now carries the nation's hopes in the sink or swim encounter against Algeria.
Botswana will want to avoid an early return to Group V, but are comforted by the fact that they approach the Friday encounter still in a strong position to progress if they down the North Africans. Algeria are unbeaten and top the group while Botswana head into the contest in third. Nine teams, Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Congo, Democratic Republic of, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, have been divided into two pools with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi finals. The bottom two teams in each group will be involved in relegation play-offs.
