Morena Ramoreboli, the head coach of Botswana's senior national male team, has put the spotlight on the potential contenders for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), naming Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and South Africa as the teams to watch. The tournament is to be hosted by Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026—a significant event for African football.
Speaking to SuperSport TV, Ramoreboli emphasized, "I think Morocco is the first favourite as the host country. They have a strong squad, passionate supporters, and will have the advantage of playing at home." His confidence reflects the common belief among analysts and fans alike, as Morocco’s track record adds to their status as favorites.
Yet, Ramoreboli did not stop there, adding, "Maybe South Africa too. They showed their quality in the last tournament, and I believe they can challenge again." He expanded his analysis, naming Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia as historical powerhouses always performing well during major tournaments. It is clear he leans on the rich footballing traditions of these nations as predictors of their future success.
Botswana is preparing for its second-ever appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations after last qualifying for the tournament back in 2012. The anticipation surrounding their return to the continental stage is palpable, but the team knows they have tough rivals to contend with. With Ramoreboli at the helm, the hope is palpable; he took the reins after guiding the nation to its recent qualification.
Ramoreboli’s upcoming challenges are twofold: first, he leads Botswana through the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Algeria and Somalia. Representing Botswana on this international stage is not unfamiliar territory for the coach, who previously served as the interim head coach before his permanent appointment.
While details about these qualifiers have stirred up some controversy, particularly with the timing of the match against Algeria being scheduled for 3pm local time, Ramoreboli clarified these decisions. The choice of timing has not been well-received by the Algerian side, which reportedly preferred evening fixtures due to the heat and the overlap with Ramadan.
Despite the criticisms, Ramoreboli maintained, "We are going to play in Francistown, which is where we play most of our games. So, yes, it will be a difficult game for both sides because people think playing in this heat is advantageous for us, but we know we’re up against experienced players who excel at managing away games and achieving good results.
He continued, stressing the importance of remaining grounded, "We must not make the mistake of thinking being at home guarantees us a good result. We must remain humble, continue to work hard, and make sure we play well."
Botswana's upcoming appearance at the AFCON presents both challenges and opportunities. The nation aims to upset expectations and perhaps showcase unexpected talent on the field. With the likes of Morocco stirring excitement as formidable hosts and teams like Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia exhibiting historic prowess, Ramoreboli is keeping his options open yet focused.
With the clock ticking down to the AFCON matchups later this year, the team's motivation to succeed resonates strongly with Ramoreboli's focus on growth. He goals not just for qualification, but for building momentum and confidence among the players as they gear up for the tough competition awaiting them.
Overall, the AFCON is shaping up to be highly competitive, and Ramoreboli’s insights reflect both the skills needed and the energy surrounding this year's tournament, underscoring Botswana's potential role as the underdog poised to rise against the giants of African football.