AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Botswana face a Tunisia rebuilding after draw with Uganda

28.09.26 15:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Tunisia

-

:

Botswana

-

Botswana and Tunisia meet this Monday, September 28, on the second matchday of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Both teams have one point after their opening matches, with Botswana drawing 2-2 in Libya and Tunisia drawing 1-1 with Uganda.

Botswana let a seemingly certain victory slip away in Libya. The Zebras led 2-0 thanks to a brace from Tumisang Orebonye, who scored both goals in the 30th and 42nd minutes. Libya pulled one back in the 87th minute before equalising from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

Despite everything, the result allows Botswana to approach the second matchday with a point earned away from home and two goals scored. Orebonye will once again be one of the players to watch after his brace in Tripoli.

The squad also includes several players based abroad. Gape Mohutsiwa joined Morocco's Ittihad Tanger this summer, while Thatayaone Ditlhoko plays for Al-Wehdat in Jordan. Losika Ratshukudu, meanwhile, represents NK Slaven Belupo in Croatia.

Read also: Botswana - Tunisia: where and when to watch the AFCON 2027 qualifier?

A Tunisia side undergoing major rebuilding

Tunisia arrive in a different context. Mouine Chaâbani has begun a new chapter at the helm of the Carthage Eagles after the 2026 World Cup. Only 14 players from the squad selected for the World Cup have been retained in the new team. Experienced players such as Ferjani Sassi, Aïssa Laïdouni and Ali Maâloul have returned, while several new players have been called up.

In their first qualifying match, Chaâbani saw his team take the lead quickly against Uganda. Adem Arous opened the scoring in the 12th minute, but Rogers Mato levelled the match in the 68th minute. Tunisia therefore had to settle for a point at home.

The trip to Botswana will be the new team's second official fixture. After sharing the points with Uganda, the Tunisians must now earn a result away from home to make progress in Group H, where all four teams began with a draw.

Botswana, for their part, will look to avoid another scenario like the one in Tripoli. After taking a two-goal lead in Libya before conceding an equaliser in the final minutes, the Zebras now face a Tunisia side that has been revamped but was already held to a draw in its opening match.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT this Monday, September 28.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Tunisia

Botswana

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations