Match Preview of Botswana vs Algeria: Prediction, Head to Head Analysis, Team News & Possible Lineups.
World Cup Qualifying – Africa | Group Stage
Date: March 21, 2025
Kick-off: 2:00 PM GMT +1
Venue: Francistown Stadium, Botswana
The Botswana national football team hosts Algeria in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Francistown Stadium on Friday. Algeria, leading Group G, will aim to solidify their grip on the top spot, while Botswana, trailing by three points, seeks a historic win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Match Preview
Botswana National Football Team’s Journey So Far
The Zebras began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a narrow 3-2 home defeat against Mozambique. However, they bounced back with a stunning 1-0 win over Guinea, proving they can compete against strong opposition.
Following that, Botswana suffered another setback, losing 1-0 to Uganda. But they quickly recovered with a commanding 3-1 victory over Somalia, climbing to third place in the group standings with six points.
Botswana’s qualification bid took a hit with the departure of head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa, who left to manage Al Ahli. Morena Ramoreboli stepped in as interim manager and later earned a permanent role after guiding the team to two crucial draws, securing Botswana’s second-ever Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
Currently unbeaten in their last four competitive fixtures, Botswana will be eager to capitalize on home advantage and secure a famous victory against the highly-rated Algerian side.
Algeria National Football Team’s World Cup Quest
The Fennecs have started their qualification campaign strongly, winning three out of four matches. Their only setback came in a surprising 2-1 loss to Guinea in June 2024.
Despite that defeat, Algeria remains one of the most dominant teams in African football. They have gone unbeaten in their last seven fixtures across all competitions, including five wins and one draw.
Having failed to qualify for the last two World Cup tournaments, Algeria is determined to return to the global stage. With a balanced squad boasting firepower in attack and solidity in defense, Vladimir Petkovic’s men will be confident of securing another three points.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Botswana and Algeria National Football Team have faced each other multiple times, with Algeria holding the upper hand in historical encounters. Here’s a look at their recent head-to-head record:
- Algeria 5-0 Botswana – March 2021 (AFCON Qualifier)
- Botswana 0-1 Algeria – November 2019 (AFCON Qualifier)
- Botswana 1-2 Algeria – July 2003 (Friendly)
- Algeria 3-0 Botswana – May 2002 (Friendly)
Key Stats & Insights:
- Botswana has never beaten Algeria in a competitive fixture.
- Algeria has scored 11 goals in their last four meetings against Botswana.
- Botswana has managed to score just one goal in their last four games against Algeria.
- Algeria’s attack has been prolific in this qualification campaign, scoring 16 goals in six matches while conceding only three.
With such an overwhelming record in favor of the Fennecs, Botswana will need a tactical masterclass to secure a positive result.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Botswana Team News
Botswana has a clean bill of health, meaning Morena Ramoreboli has his full squad available. Promising young stars Theo Shadikong and Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi received their maiden call-ups but are unlikely to feature prominently.
One player to watch is Reneilwe Batlokwa, who could earn his first international cap in this high-stakes clash.
Algeria Team News
Algeria will be missing key players such as Mohamed Amine Tougai, Ramiz Zerrouki, and Baghdad Bounedjah due to injuries. However, the return of Youcef Belaili is a significant boost for Vladimir Petkovic’s squad.
The Fennecs will rely on their European-based stars, including Riyad Mahrez, Ismael Bennacer, and Rayan Aït-Nouri, to get the job done.
Predicted Lineups
Botswana National Football Team Starting XI (4-3-3):
Phoko; Ditlhokwe, Gaolaolwe, Leinanyane, Kopelang; Ditsele, Modingwane, Batlokwa; Orebonye, Seakanyeng, Setsile
Algeria National Football Team Starting XI (3-4-3):
Guendouz; Mandi, Bensebaini, Atal; Aït-Nouri, Chaibi, Bennacer, Kendouci; Gouiri, Mahrez, Belaili
Match Prediction
Botswana is a resilient side and will look to make home advantage count. However, Algeria’s experience, firepower, and defensive solidity make them clear favorites for this encounter.
Expect Botswana to put up a fight, but ultimately, Algeria’s superior quality should see them through comfortably.
Prediction: Botswana 0-2 Algeria
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Conclusion
- Algeria’s unbeaten streak makes them strong favorites.
- Botswana has never beaten Algeria in a competitive match.
- A win for Botswana would see them level on points with Algeria.
- Riyad Mahrez and Ismael Bennacer will be key players for Algeria.
- Home crowd support could play a crucial role in Botswana’s performance.
This match promises to be an exciting contest as Botswana seeks an upset against the high-flying Algerians. Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis!
