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
