Young Zebras face Guinea without top scorer Ratshukudu
Botswana's Under-23 side lose the forward who scored three goals against Seychelles, as he is called up to the senior squad for a Uganda qualifier.
Botswana's Under-23 team, the Young Zebras, face Guinea in the second round of qualifying for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, and the first leg is set for November 11 at Gaborone National Stadium, with kick-off at 19:00. Coach Michael Mogaladi has left out leading scorer Losika Ratshukudu, the Croatia-based forward who scored three goals over the two-legged tie against Seychelles, including a brace in the opening match.
Ratshukudu has not been dropped for injury or form. He has been called up to Botswana's senior national team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda, which takes place at Hoima City Stadium on November 14, three days after the home match against Guinea. Mogaladi must now rely on his remaining forwards and midfield to create and finish chances.
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 16:00 at Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry, giving the two sides only six days between matches. A narrow win or a failure to score in Gaborone would leave Botswana with a harder task in the return fixture.
Why it mattersFans and supporters will see the Young Zebras' attack depend on new scorers, with a six-day gap before the Conakry return leg.