Botswana Name 26-Man Squad for Crucial 2027 AFCON Qualifiers Against Uganda

Botswana Name 26-Man Squad for Crucial 2027 AFCON Qualifiers Against Uganda

Botswana have announced their 26-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Uganda, with Siwelele goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko among those selected as the Zebras aim to build on their unbeaten start to the campaign.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper joined Bloemfontein-based Siwelele at the beginning of the season and featured in the club's opening three Betway Premiership matches. However, he has not made an appearance since.

Despite his limited club involvement, Phoko retains his place in the national team after starting both of Botswana's opening Group H qualifiers in September, which ended in away draws against Libya and Tunisia.

Botswana are currently under the guidance of Thaloba Nthaga, who took charge following Morena Ramoreboli's departure to become assistant coach to Pitso Mosimane with South Africa's national team, Bafana Bafana.

The squad also includes experienced defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, formerly of Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United, who now plays for Al Wehdat in Jordan.

Benson Mangolo has earned a call-up following his return to Gaborone United after making just one appearance for Richards Bay last season.

Another notable inclusion is Kabelo Seakanyeng, the former Chippa United and TS Galaxy attacker who currently represents Saudi Arabian club Al Entesar.

Botswana will face Uganda in back-to-back qualifiers as they look to strengthen their position in Group H and maintain their push for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.

The Zebras will travel to Hoima City Stadium for their first meeting with the Cranes on Saturday before hosting Uganda in the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.

Botswana's 26-Man Squad for the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:

  • Victor James (CAPS United, Zimbabwe)
    • Thabo Motswagole (Gaborone United)
      • Goitseone Phoko (Siwelele, South Africa)

        Defenders:

        • Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Al Wehdat, Jordan)
          • Mosha Gaolaolwe (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)
            • Tebogo Kopelang (Jwaneng Galaxy)
              • Benson Mangolo (Gaborone United)
                • Chicco Molefe (Jwaneng Galaxy)
                  • Thato Mosweunyane (Tonota)
                    • Botsile Sakana (Jwaneng Galaxy)
                      • Alford Velaphi (Gaborone United)

                        Midfielders:

                        • Gilbert Baruti (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)
                          • Mothusi Cooper (Tonota)
                            • Lebogang Ditsile (Gaborone United)
                              • Godiraone Modingwane (Botswana Defence Force XI)
                                • Gape Mohutsiwa (Ittihad Tanger, Morocco)
                                  • Olebogeng Ramatse (Jwaneng Galaxy)
                                    • Omphile Ramoagi (Gaborone United)

                                      Forwards:

                                      • Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Gaborone United)
                                        • Odilele Lekoba (Enesia)
                                          • Thabo Maponda (Gaborone United)
                                            • Tumisang Orebonye (Hassania Agadir, Morocco)
                                              • Losika Ratshukudu (Bolepu, Croatia)
                                                • Kabelo Seakanyeng (Al Entesar, Saudi Arabia)
                                                  • Thero Setsile (Tonota)
                                                    • Godfrey Tauyatswala (Jwaneng Galaxy)

                                                      TAGS

                                                      • Botswana national football team
                                                      • Botswana AFCON qualifiers
                                                      • AFCON 2027
                                                      • Botswana vs Uganda
                                                      • Africa Cup of Nations 2027
                                                      • Botswana squad 2026
                                                      • Botswana football news
                                                      • Goitseone Phoko
                                                      • Thatayaone Ditlhokwe
                                                      • Thaloba Nthaga
                                                      • Uganda national football team
                                                      • AFCON qualification Group H
                                                      • Botswana Zebras
                                                      • African football
                                                      • Siwelele FC
                                                      • Kabelo Seakanyeng
                                                      • Botswana football squad
                                                      • 2027 AFCON qualification
                                                      Written by

                                                      Gordon

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