In a thrilling match in Maputo on Monday, Botswana kept their 2026 World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Somalia.
The win propels Botswana to second place in Group G, significantly boosting their chances of qualifying for the prestigious tournament in North America.
The match started brightly for Botswana, who drew first blood through Thabang Sesinyi’s early header. However, Somalia, determined to fight for their first points of the qualifiers, equalized in the 74th minute when Sak Hassan fired home from close range.
Botswana’s resilience shone through as they quickly regained the lead, with Kabelo Seakanyeng coolly converting from the penalty spot. Mosha Gaolaolwe sealed the victory with a clinical finish, ensuring Botswana walked away with all three points.
This vital win sees Botswana climb to second in their group with six points, while Somalia remains at the bottom, still searching for their first point. Botswana’s impressive performance has reignited hopes of making it to the World Cup, with their next fixtures now holding even greater significance.
In Group H, Equatorial Guinea also kept their slender World Cup hopes alive by securing their first win of the qualifiers, edging out Malawi 1-0 in Malabo. In a closely contested affair, the decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Iban Salvador pounced on a loose ball in the box to score the winner for the hosts.
Despite Malawi’s efforts to find an equalizer in the dying stages, they couldn’t break through, leaving them fourth in the group with six points. Equatorial Guinea’s victory lifts them to fifth, keeping their faint hopes of qualification flickering.
With several matchdays remaining, both Botswana and Equatorial Guinea will be buoyed by their recent victories as they aim to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The groups remain finely poised, promising more exciting football as the qualifiers progress.
