FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Botswana secure win against Somalia in WC Qualifier

by
Collins Okinyo
June 10, 2024

Botswana secured a convincing 3-1 win over Somalia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match played at the Estádio do Zimpeto in Maputo, Mozambique.on Monday.

As a result, the Zebras climbed up to the second spot in the Group G standings after overcoming the Ocean Stars who remain sixth on the table. Somalia will face Guinea when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025 and Botswana will play host to Algeria.

The Zebras controlled the match from the first minute and the deservedly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Thabang Sesinyi scored after being set up by Alford Velaphi. Botswana were deservedly leading 1-0 at half-time.

The visitors continued their dominance after the restart which saw Mosha Gaolaolwe score in the 53rd minute to make it 2-0 to Botswana with the Ocean Stars’ poor marking exposed and this time Sesinyi was the provider having set up his teammate.

The Ocean Stars’ defence was struggling to contain the Zebras’ pacey attackers and they conceded a penalty which was converted by Kabelo Seakanyeng – extending the Zebras’ lead to 3-0 in the 71st minute.- his 10th goal for Botswana.

However, the visitors went to sleep at the back and they conceded in the 74th minute when substitute Sakariya Hassan scored to make it 3-1. Botswana then stood firm at the back, and ultimately, they emerged as 3-1 winners on the day.

Somalia: Mohamud J. A, Abdullahi A, Ahmed Y, Ali M, Elmi S. F, Gigli A, Marsis, Mohamed F (Awad 69′), Salim A (Abdi A.A 89′), Shirwa I (Hassan 46′), Suleiman M (Osman 80′).

Botswana : Phoko, Velaphi, Mangolo, Kopelang, Ditlhokwe, Gaolaolwe, Mohutsiwa (Majafi 75′), Sesinyi (Boy 82′), Ramotse (Baruti 75′), Sekwai (Orebonye 58′), Seakanyeng

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Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com