Botswana vs Zambia

Botswana head into their final Group D fixture against record COSAFA Cup winners Zambia on Wednesday at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, needing a victory to keep their hopes of a semifinal place alive.

While the Chipolopolo are only playing for pride and bragging rights, the Zebras must win by at least a two-goal margin to advance.

Match preview

Botswana have failed to progress beyond the group stage in each of their last two COSAFA Cup campaigns, finishing bottom of their group in the previous edition. 

However, Morena Ramoreboli’s side can still dream of breaking that streak if they secure a win by a two-goal margin or more against Zambia, following their goalless draw with Comoros in their opening game.

Placed in one of the two three-team groups in this year’s tournament, Botswana currently sit on one point, three behind Comoros who have already completed their group matches.

The Zebras have struggled historically against Zambia, with only four wins from 26 previous meetings in all competitions and 15 defeats, but their recent form will give them reason to believe they can deliver when it matters.

Botswana have won three and drawn three of their last seven matches across all competitions, with the only defeat in that run coming against Algeria in a World Cup qualifier in March.

Zambia head into this match looking to restore some pride after a disappointing opening performance that saw them fall to a 1-0 defeat against Comoros.

The Chipolopolo conceded just after the half-hour mark and despite controlling possession and shots, they were unable to break through in a frustrating display.

After winning back-to-back COSAFA Cups in 2022 and 2023, Zambia had been tipped to dominate again last year, but instead produced a disastrous group-stage campaign, failing to score a single goal or register a point, an outcome they will be desperate to avoid repeating this year.

Wedson Nyirenda’s men are already eliminated from semifinal contention, four points adrift of Comoros with one match to play, but will be keen to avoid another winless exit by signing off with a strong performance against a regional rival.

Zambia boast a solid record against Botswana in the COSAFA Cup, winning two and drawing one of their last three such meetings, but they have suffered two successive defeats in all competitions coming into this encounter, raising questions over their current form.

Botswana COSAFA Cup form:

Botswana form (all competitions):

Zambia COSAFA Cup form:

Zambia form (all competitions):

Team News

Botswana lined up in a 4-3-3 formation in their opening match, with Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Thabo Maponda and Ronaldo Fortune leading the attack, and that forward line is likely to remain in place for this decisive clash.

Thabo Motswagole is expected to retain his place in goal behind the centre-back partnership of Bapaletswe Simon and Shanganani Nganda, with Kabelo Seakanyeng likely to provide creativity from midfield.

For Zambia, MTN Super League Golden Boot winner Titus Chansa will again be tasked with providing the cutting edge in attack, with Player of the Season Owen Tembo set to pull the strings in midfield.

Joseph Phiri and Charles Zulu are expected to continue in the wide attacking roles, offering pace and width as Zambia seek to finally open their account in this year’s competition.

Botswana possible starting lineup:

Motswagole; Sakana, Simon, Nganda, Johnson; Cooper, Modingwane, Shadikong; Maponda, Kgamanyane, Fortune

Zambia possible starting lineup:

L. Mulenga; Banda, Sinkala, Mwimanzi, Soko; Siankombo, Tembo, L. Mulenga; Zulu, Chansa, Phiri

We say: Botswana 1-0 Zambia

Botswana have shown resilience in recent outings and are capable of unlocking Zambia’s defence, but while we expect them to win, needing a two-goal margin to grow might be too big of a hill to climb.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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