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Botswana host Mauritania at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on Friday for their penultimate fixture in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ranked 140th in the world, the Zebras are currently second in Group C with six points from four games.
Another victory this week should seal their place at next year's showpiece in Morocco if Cape Verde lose to Egypt in the other game.
Didier Gomes Da Rosa's side began their campaign with back-to-back losses against Mauritania and Egypt, but turned their fortunes around in the next two. In both legs of their fixture against Cape Verde, Botswana won 1-0 and reignited their campaign.
Meanwhile, their rivals from North Africa have gone in the opposite direction. Following a 1-0 win over the Zebras in their opening game, the Lions of Chinguetti lost their next three to see their progression hopes plunge into uncertainty.
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A 2-0 loss to Cape Verde was followed by a pair of 2-0 and 1-0 defeats to Egypt, and they have subsequently sunk to the bottom of their group, behind Cape Verde based on goal difference.
Having qualified for each of the last three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, the North African side are running out of time to salvage their place in the tournament for the fourth time in a row.
Botswana vs Mauritania Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- There have been five clashes between the sides in the past, with Botswana winning just once and losing on four occasions.
- This fixture is yet to see a draw result.
- The Lions of Chinguetti have won each of their last three clashes with the Zebras.
- Botswana are ranked 140th in the world, while their rivals are 26 places above them, according to the latest FIFA World Rankings.
Botswana vs Mauritania Prediction
The Zebras have turned their fortunes around in the AFCON qualifiers of late and will seek to build on their momentum here. Mauritania have a better record in the fixture, but they have been terrible in their campaign after winning against Botswana at the start.
It will be a close game, but we expect the home side to prevail.
Prediction: Botswana 2-1 Mauritania
Botswana vs Mauritania Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Botswana to win
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
