GABORONE, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Botswana national soccer team the Zebras are looking to end their qualifications for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on a high by beating Angola when the two sides meet at the Francistown Sports Complex on Friday night.
Speaking to Xinhua ahead of the tie on Friday, Botswana caretaker coach Mogomotsi Mpote said despite being already out of the qualification race, they want to give supporters something to cheer about in their last group match.
Mpote, who was roped in as caretaker manager, replaced sacked David Bright who was shown the door in February following a sting of poor results in the qualifiers where they are yet to win a single match.
Botswana currently lies fourth in Group I with only one point, six points behind third placed Burkina Faso who plays Mauritania still on Friday evening.
Mpote said their intention is to build a team for the future, but he had been impressed with the response of the players in camp and was positive they can beat Angola at home.
Mpote was however weary of the threat posed by Angola who are second in the group as they will give everything to secure qualification to the continental showpiece. Mpote recalled veteran forward Joel Mogorosi to the squad this week and he will be captaining the side against Angola.
Botswana, the 2012 AFCON participants have failed to build on to their first ever qualification having missed on all editions of the biennal tournament ever since playing in Gabon 2012.
Meanwhile the Botswana Football Association (BFA) said they will resume search for a permanent coach to steer the team forward at the end of the qualifiers. The 32nd edition of the AFCON tournament will be hosted by Egypt from 21st of June to 19th of July.
