Botswana head coach Morena Ramoreboli and captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe believe their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Senegal presents the perfect opportunity to announce themselves on the continental stage, Bold Sports reports.
The Zebras, who are making a return to the AFCON for the first time since 2012 and only their second appearance in the competition, have been drawn into one of the tournament’s toughest groups. They will face Benin, DR Congo, and Senegal in Group D.
Botswana open their campaign against tournament favourites Senegal on Tuesday at the Grand Stade de Tangier. While many bookmakers and pundits have tipped them as outsiders, Ramoreboli insists the occasion offers the ideal platform to showcase their quality.
“The AFCON is the biggest competition on the continent and we have had good preparation,” Ramoreboli said on the eve of the match, as quoted by CAFOnline.com.
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“We will try to show a high level. We are ready for the match – a big match. We are ready to do the job.”
Speaking on the challenge of facing the 2021 champions, Ramoreboli revealed that his team has carefully studied Senegal’s strengths and weaknesses, stressing the importance of maintaining focus on their own style of play.
“They are a very flexible team, capable of changing their style depending on the situation. We have analysed their strengths and weaknesses. The important thing is to stay focused on our own football and know what we can do and what we must avoid.
“Very few people truly know us, so this is an opportunity for us to leave our mark – always with respect for our opponents.”
Team captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe echoed his coach’s sentiments, insisting that Botswana’s qualification alone proves they belong at the tournament and are capable of surprising more fancied opponents.
“Understandably, a lot of people do not rate us highly, but the fact that we qualified shows that we have quality and we are here on merit,” Ditlhokwe said.
“We respect Senegal for their top players and achievements in football, but we are not afraid to play them. We are here to give our best, and the pitch will decide.”
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