AFCON: Ramoreboli reveals Botswana ready to face Senegal

Botswana national team coach Morena Ramoreboli believes the occasions to face Senegal in their opening fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will presents a valuable platform for his team to announce themselves to the biggest stage.

The Zebras have been drawn into a challenging group alongside Senegal, DR Congo and Benin. They will start their campaign against the Lions of Teranga at Grand Stade de Tanger on Tuesday.

“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.

“We will try to show a high level. We are ready for the match, a big match. We are ready to do the job.”

Senegal are a very flexible team

On facing Senegal, Ramoreboli said: “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.”

He added: “Very few people truly know us. So this is an opportunity for us to leave our mark, but always with respect for our opponents.”

Botswana captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, said: “It is understandable that 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.

“We respect Senegal for their top players and achievements in football but we are not afraid to play them. We are here to give off our best and the pitch will decide.”

Botswana has remained in the shadow of many African countries in the stronger COSAFA region, but they managed some impressive performances in the qualification for the 2012 AFCON, managing to finally qualify for their first AFCON tournament.