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Popa Down African Giant

Feb 23, 2018

Township Rollers of Botswana masterminded one of the biggest upsets in continental club football when they eliminated Sudanese giants, El Merreikh.

Merreikh managed a 2-1 win over Rollers on Wednesday in the second leg clash of the preliminary round in Omdurman, but Rollers advanced 4-2 on aggregate.

The visitors made the task very complicated for the home side as early as since the first minute, when Lemponye Tshireletso weaved his way past his marker, before delivering a shot which grazed the crossbar.

On two minutes, Joel Mogorosi connected a home a corner past Merreikh goalie, Jamal Salim for the opener. Merreikh struggled to find their feet, and matters were made worse by the pressure from the Botswana champions and also superb saves from goalkeeper Keeagile Kgosipula. Sierra Leonean-import Sheka Fofanah equalized in the 19th minute when he controlled nicely before firing past onrushing Kgosipula.

After the break, Merreikh pushed forward in search of more goals to annul the 3-0 loss from the first leg. Ahmed Adam and the playmaker Ahmed Al Tish made a big performance and showed big effort to motivate the home side, but strikers Khalid Al Nasan and Salih Al Ajab did not find enough space to move forward.

Rollers made many mistakes to stop the skill full Al Tish, who was brought down at the edge of the penalty area, and Tish himself sent the ball into the top left corner for the second goal, but it was very late.

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BFA Welcomes New Zebras Head Coach, Morena Ramoreboli

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Morena Ramoreboli as the new Head Coach of the Zebras. This marks an exciting new chapter for Botswana football, as the men’s and women’s national teams recently achieved historic qualifications for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025 – only the second time both teams have qualified in the same year.

Mr. Ramoreboli brings over a decade of top-level coaching experience and holds a CAF A license. His accomplishments include winning two Botswana Premier League titles and securing two CAF Champions League qualifications with Jwaneng Galaxy, achieving significant victories against teams like Orlando Pirates and Wydad Athletic Club. His familiarity with many of Botswana’s players from his time at the club level ensures a seamless transition into his new role.

The BFA has set clear targets for Mr. Ramoreboli, including progressing beyond the group stages at AFCON 2025, collecting at least 12 points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, qualifying for CHAN 2026, and winning the 2025 COSAFA Senior Men’s Challenge. Additionally, improving Botswana’s FIFA ranking to the top 30 in Africa is a key objective.

To achieve these goals, the BFA is committed to providing the necessary resources and support for the Zebras. The Association also calls on all Batswana to rally behind Mr. Ramoreboli and the national teams. Fans are encouraged to attend matches and create an electrifying atmosphere during the World Cup qualifiers. Plans are underway to make travel packages available for supporters to cheer on the teams in Morocco for the Women’s AFCON and in December for the men’s AFCON.

The BFA also appeals to the media to play an active role in building excitement and uniting the nation behind the Zebras and Mares. A collaborative committee will be formed to drive fan engagement and ensure widespread support.

“We are confident that with Mr. Ramoreboli’s vision, experience, and leadership, the Zebras will achieve great success. With unity and the unwavering support of the nation, there is no limit to what we can accomplish,” said the BFA President.