There was much to celebrate on November 19, 2024, when Botswana secured qualification for their second ever Africa Cup of Nations. Going into the final matchday, Botswana needed a result against already qualified Egypt in Cairo. An early goal Omaatla Kebatho sent Botswana on their way to a 1-1 draw and qualification.
Botswana’s whole qualification campaign was filled with interesting storylines. Then coach Didier Gomes da Rosa was going up against his former team Mauritania, beating them out for second in the group. They also did the double over Cape Verde, a team that just qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. So there is plenty of talent and potential in the Botswana squad. Though despite qualifying for AFCON, Gomes Da Rosa stepped down from his post as Botswana head coach citing issues with leadership within the Botswana Football Association. In his place steps the South African Morena Ramoreboli who was appointed in January 2025.
The vast majority of the Botswana squad play their club football domestically in the Botswana Premier League. Not too many household names, but a big chance for this group to make a name for themselves on a global stage.
In Botswana’s maiden Africa Cup of Nations appearance in 2012 they lost all three of their group stage matches for an early exit from the tournament. The hope is that even with a difficult group, Dipitse will improve on that performance this time around.
Potential Starting XI
Coach
Morena Ramoreboli
The South African only took charge of Botswana at the start of 2025. At one point in his coaching career Ramoreboli was the caretaker manager of his home nation South Africa. Ramoreboli does have experience coaching in Botswanan football, having coached club side Jwaneng Galaxy from 2021-2023.
Players to Watch
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe
Age: 27
Position: CB/LB
Caps/Goals: 39/2
Club: Al Ittihad SCSC (Libya)
The central defender is one of only a few Botswanas to play their club football outside of Botswana. Expected to captain his country at the AFCON, Ditlhokwe should be very busy in Morocco.
Kabelo Seakanyeng
Age: 32
Position: CF
Caps/Goals: 61/10
Club: MAS Fez (Morocco)
Seakanyeng is the top goal-scoere in the Botswana AFCON squad with 10 to his name. Another one of the few who play club football outside of Botswana, Seakanyeng will feel right at home as he plays in the Moroccan top flight.
Botswana Schedule
December 23, 2025 vs. Senegal – Tangier
December 27, 2025 vs. Benin – Rabat
December 30, 2025 vs. DR Congo – Rabat
Country Information
Did you know…
Botswana is home to Africa’s largest population of elephants, with an estimated 130,000.
