With nearly half of Africa’s 54 countries now eligible to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, the Zebras are fancying their chances.
But as the engines for the 2023 AFCON finals rev after a lengthy pit stop, Mpote’s charges find themselves three points off the top spot.
Former champions, Tunisia are already leading the way in Group J with four points while Zebras’ next opponents, Equatorial Guinea are second with three points, the same as third-placed Libya.
The Zebras bring the rear with one point; not catastrophic at this stage as they remain within striking distance.
Mpote’s charges have flown to Morocco for a week-long training camp, which should leave them in good shape heading to Malabo where they face the 2012 hosts. Mpote would want to replicate his fellow countryman, Stanley Tshosane’s feat.
Tshosane remains the only man to steer the team to the continental competition’s finals, but with expanded participation, Mpote stands a good chance. A new generation of players led by captain, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has assumed the reins, eager to leave their own marks.
Mpote’s squad is an infusion of youth and experience, with some players such as Ditlhokwe, Tumisang Orebonye, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Mothusi Cooper, and Kabelo Seakanyeng providing the much-needed experience.
The bulk of the players were picked from the local league which is in full swing and their fitness should be top-notch. Mpote, speaking after Thursday’s afternoon session in Morocco, said the team will give it its best shot although the mandate is to qualify for the 2025 finals.
“We are working very hard. As you know, the mandate is 2025 but the challenge of Teenage, the technical team, and the players, is to try as much as we can to qualify for the 2023 finals,” Mpote said.
He said the chances of progressing are still there with only three points separating the top and the bottom team.
“The group is still open. If we win our games, I believe we will qualify,” he said.
Mpote added the team has responded well to training in North Africa, where they will play a practice match before heading out to Equatorial Guinea. “Most of the time when I watch league games, you find that there is a difference between club football and international football. Here we are looking at intensity. We are going to play professional players from clubs in Europe. We plan accordingly,” Mpote said.
He believes the game against Libya on June 12 will be the deciding factor. But the Zebras will first confront Equatorial Guinea in back-to-back encounters, with the West Central African country due in Francistown on March 28. The Zebras will round up their campaign away to Tunisia in September. Two teams will qualify from the group.
P W D L GD Pts
Tunisia 2 1 1 0 4 4
E. Guinea 2 1 0 1 -2 3
Libya 2 1 0 1 -1 3
Botswana 2 0 1 1 -1 1
