The draw for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in which Botswana has been drawn against some of the continent’s football powerhouses in the qualifying phase has drawn mixed feelings among Batswana and the local press.
According to the draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football on Thursday, Botswana’s senior soccer national team, the Zebras, would have to fight for first and second place against Algeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe to qualify for the 2021 AFCON to be held in Cameroon.
The state-run Dailynews ran a screaming headline on Friday that read “Zebras in Lion’s Den” suggesting that Botswana was drawn against tough opponents.
“Zebras will face, Chipolopolo of Zambia, the Warriors of Zimbabwe and the Desert Foxes (Fennecs) of Algeria,” the daily reported.
Mmegi newspaper also had a headline that read, “Zebras handed tricky 2021 AFCON draw.”
The Patriot newspaper was also blunt when it declared in its headline that “Zebras in tough AFCON group.”
Botswana sport journalist Andrew Seetso however believes that Botswana can pull a surprise.
He cited the 2012 AFCON qualifying games when the country first qualified for the continental showpiece.
At the time Botswana beat African powerhouses such as Tunisia, Togo and Chad to lead Group K, having not lost a single game during the campaign.
“We are capable of pulling a surprise and even beating powerhouses like Algeria. What we need to do is to start early preparations and play many friendly matches with strong opponents,” he said.
Botswana citizens also took to social media to express their opinions.
The question the majority of them asked was whether the Zebras could produce another historic moment and book a place at the continental finals for the second time.
Motshidi Kelebale was optimistic.
“We will make it through, where it appears difficult that’s where we will prevail… We have been in easy groups where qualifying seemed easy but we didn’t manage, but this time around something positive shall come out… This reminds of that group where we were drawn e Tunisia, Togo, Chad… and we qualified for Afcon 2012,” he said.
Another Motswana, Kevin Mookamedi Nelle said “with the right coach”, the Zebras were capable of progressing from the group.
“Our players are not bad,” Nelle said.
However, others felt the 2021 AFCON qualification campaign would be a tall order.
“Algeria is way ahead of us, But Zimbabwe and Zambia we can get something,” Boesa Jankie said.
Sylvester Mashabane said the Botswana Football Association should ensure that preparations commence immediately.
“Go out there look for friendly matches that will add value to our team.. Cameroon, Senegal, Switzerland, DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo), etc so that our players will get used to play at the highest level, or they should be taken for a camp in Brazil.”
KO/jn/APA