Precious away advantage.. Guinea stuns Botswana in Gaborone and puts one foot in the final U23 AFCON round

11.11.26 FT Africa U23 Cup of Nations

Botswana U23

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Guinea U23

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Guinea secured an important 1-0 away victory over Botswana on Wednesday 11 November 2026 in the first leg of their 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations second round qualifying tie.

Mohamed Toure scored the decisive goal shortly before half time at Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone, giving Morlaye Cisse's side a valuable advantage ahead of next week's return fixture.

The breakthrough came after Aboubacar Bachir Bangoura provided the assist allowing Toure to put the visitors ahead before the interval.

Guinea maintained their advantage throughout the second half preventing Botswana from finding an equaliser and securing a clean sheet away from home.

The result represents a promising start to the Syli Espoir's qualifying campaign as they seek a place at the continental tournament in Egypt.

Read Also: With Koné's crucial goal.. Young Burkinabe Stallions defeat Zambia and take a precious edge in U23 AFCON qualifiers

Guinea one step closer to final qualifying round

The two teams will meet again on Tuesday 17 November at Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry, with kick off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

A draw would be enough for Guinea to advance to the third and final qualifying round while Botswana must overturn their one goal deficit.

According to CAF's official qualifying schedule, the winners of the second round ties will progress to March's decisive qualification stage.

As previously detailed in Foot Africa's qualifying draw coverage, seven teams will eventually qualify to join hosts Egypt at the eight team finals.

Guinea have taken a significant first step in Botswana but Cisse's men must complete the job on home soil to keep their U23 AFCON ambitions alive.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Botswana U23

Guinea U23

Africa U23 Cup of Nations