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Zebras deserve hero’s welcome – Tsogwane

Acting President Slumber Tsogwane has urged Batswana to stage a hero’s welcome for the senior national team, Zebras after their gallant performance at the ongoing COSAFA Cup tournament held in Durban, South Africa.

Zebras, which fought back to beat neighbouring and hosts, South Africa in their first game, will meet Zambia in the cup final on June 8.

In a game played on June 2, at Princess Magogo Stadium, the Zebras came from behind to level scores against a youthful Bafana Bafana side the majority of whose top players were on camp preparing for AFCON 2019.

After forcing a draw, the Zebras won 5-4 on penalties to book a semifinal spot for the proud blue, black and white outfit.

It was against the backdrop of the gallant fight displayed by the Zebras, that Tsogwane said during a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) event, Batswana should stage a welcome befitting the boys’ display.

He congratulated the team and said the boys deserved a warm welcome back home at the end of the tournament.

Tsogwane uttered the sentiments before the mighty Zebras beat Lesotho 2-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on June 5 to pave a way to the COSAFA Cup final.

Against Lesotho, Zebras coach Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote deployed a team that looked psyched to bury Likoena from the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.

Captain Joel Mogorosi opened the score sheet following a sublime setup from his Rollers teammate, Mothusi Cooper.

Cooper, usually nimble, brought down a high ball with verve and lofted it over the approaching Lesotho keeper to set Mogorosi up for an opener.

Later on, Segolame Boy smashed a long-range grass-cutter to put the Zebras on a driver’s seat.

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The Zebras’ AFCON 2025 Opponents Revealed

The wait is finally over as on January 27, 2025, the eagerly-awaited Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 took place in Rabat, with the 24 competing teams discovering their groupings.

Botswana will face three formidable opponents, Senegal, a true powerhouse in African football; will be one of the top contenders in Group D. The reigning champions of the 2021 AFCON, enters this year’s tournament as a major threat, with a recent history of success. Their current world ranking of 17 and a strong CAF standing at number 2 further highlight their prominence on the continental stage

The Democratic Republic of Congo, with a rich AFCON history, boasts two championships in 1968 and 1974. Although their world ranking currently stands at 61, they remain a respected force in African football. With 21 appearances in the AFCON, DR Congo is a team that always has the potential to surprise, and their strong CAF ranking of 11 underscores their competitive stature.

Benin, making their fifth appearance in the AFCON, is a team on the rise. Having made it to the quarter-finals in 2019, Benin has proven that they can be tough opponents on the continental stage. Although their world ranking is currently at 94, and their CAF ranking stands at 21, the team’s growing strength and recent success show that they can challenge the bigger teams.

With a diverse and experienced set of competitors in Group D, the Zebras, despite their limited AFCON experience — having only participated in the group stages in 2012—are determined to show their growth and potential. With a current world ranking of 136 and a CAF ranking of 43, Botswana is ready to take on their more established opponents and make a strong impression at the AFCON in Morocco.

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