Somalia seeks historic first World Cup qualifier win against Botswana
Monday March 24, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s national football team will be chasing their first-ever victory in FIFA World Cup qualifying when they face Botswana in a Group G clash on Tuesday at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Central Africa Time.
The Ocean Stars earned a historic breakthrough last week after holding Guinea to a 0-0 draw in Morocco—marking Somalia’s first point in World Cup qualifying history. That performance has lifted team morale and raised hopes that the long-awaited maiden win could come against a Botswana side still reeling from internal turmoil and a 3-1 home defeat to Algeria.
Although Somalia remains at the bottom of the six-team group, their display against Guinea—which ranked far higher in African football—was a major confidence boost. After 15 consecutive defeats across all competitions, the team had entered the qualifiers yet showed renewed tactical discipline and defensive organization against the West African side.
Head coach Yusuf Ali Nur emphasized that Somalia’s approach remains grounded in team unity and gradual progress.
“We have two matches—Guinea and Botswana—and we’re going to make adjustments that can help us improve,” Ali Nur said. “We’re not focused on individual players, but on how we perform collectively. This is about team development.”
His comments signal a longer-term strategy to build a competitive squad capable of challenging more established African sides.
Botswana, meanwhile, finds itself in fourth place in Group G and urgently needs a result to stay in the running for a top-two finish. Their preparations have been hampered by a leadership dispute involving team captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, who missed the match against Algeria after a falling out with the Botswana Football Association.
The BFA has since apologized to Ditlhokwe, but it remains uncertain whether the Al-Ittihad defender will return for Tuesday’s game.
Head coach Morena Ramoreboli said his players performed well despite the loss.
“If you’re honest with the team, you’ll give them credit. They played well, even if we didn’t get the result,” Ramoreboli told reporters.
Botswana will be looking to replicate their earlier success against Somalia, having defeated the Ocean Stars 3-1 in their only previous meeting in Maputo in June 2024.
Group G is led by Algeria, followed by Guinea, Mozambique, and Botswana. Uganda and Somalia round out the standings. Only the group winner secures automatic.
