. The Zebras dropped to the fourth spot of Group G of the 2026 World Cup after five games played. The team is only on six points from a possible 15 and they are nine behind group leaders, Algeria. The North Africans on Friday, deemed the local lads’ chances with a 3-1 defeat in a game played at the Obed Itani Chillume Stadium. Amine Gouiri gave the Deseert Foxes the lead with two minutes to half time in a game played on Friday afternoon. It was 2-0 just 10 minutes into the second half with Mohammed Amoura doubling his team’s advantage. Ramoreboli’s second half entrants, Thero Setsile, Segolame Boy and debutant, Tshepo Keselebale sparked a breath of life into the team. Tebogo Kopelang, with his first appearance in national team colours, pulled one back on the 72nd minute but three minutes later, Amoura scored for the visitors to maintain the two-goal lead. Algeria are now level on 12 points with Mozambique and Guinea is third with seven and a point above the Zebras ahead of the start of the second round this evening.
Uganda is placed fifth in the group and are level on points with Zebras on six while Somalia are at the root with a single point from a winless first round. The Zebras will look to return to contention this evening as they take on Somalia. A 3-1 win in the first leg will have the local boys’ tails high ahead of the 9pm encounter at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. Each of the nine group winners are to secure a place at the World Cup to be held in the USA while there is a single playoff spot on offer. The spot is currently occupied by former African champions, Ivory Coast who are on 13 points. The Ivorians are currently the best runner up and are seven points above the Zebras while Mozambique is second to the Western Africans. A win this evening will pull Zebras to nine points and may be equal to Mozambique if they lose their tie. Ramoreboli still believes his side can compete and said he eyes consistency in the remaining games. “Look, we want to accumulate points. I think it will be (after Somalia game) four (games) to go and four means 12 points. We should remain focused and collect points. At the same time we want to compete. If our performance can be consistent, it would be easy for us to collect some of these points,” said Ramoreboli.
The team is set to welcome back captain, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, who missed the Algeria game due to some internal bickering within the Botswana Football Association (BFA).
