The Algeria team faces Botswana this Friday as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The three points are essential to the Greens to find the leader’s leader’s place.
With the success of the Mozambique against Uganda (3-1), the Fennecs therefore have the obligation to win in Francistown (Botswana) to approach the return phase of the playoffs in position of leaders. After missing the last two final phases of the World Cup, another failure would be a disaster for Algerian fans, especially since no big cador of the continent stands on the selection road in this group phase. However, this meeting against Botswana looks like a real trap match because the trip promises to be perilous, between fatigue, absences and particular context of Ramadan.
Under the direction of Vladimir Petkovic, which arrived in March 2024, theAlgeria Displays a reassuring face: undefeated outside (5 matches, 2 points conceded), she scored 24 goals in 10 games (including CAN 2025 qualifiers), with a solid defense (6 goals conceded). Despite a surprise defeat against Guinea (2-1) in June 2023, the team found a positive dynamic, carried by key elements like Riyad Mahrez or the returning Youcef Belaili, back after 14 months of absence.
Belaili: the return of a maestro
The return of Youcef Belaili in selection after more than a year of absence is one of the strengths of this convocation. The Tunis Sports Hope Player (East) has regained his place thanks to an exceptional season, both in club and continent. Vladimir Petkovic justifies this choice: “” It’s a good time to summon it. It is mainly thanks to the fact that his return is continuous throughout the season with his club. “” An opinion shared by Rafik Saifi, former Algerian international: “” Back from Belaili? Yes, logical choice. It was his performance that brought him back. Since last season, the one who saw him become a champion of Algeria with the MCA, he was top scorer and top passer. And there, with ES Tunis, its profitability as well in the championship as in the African Cup speaks of itself. “” Indeed, Belaili shone during the 2023-2024 season: crowned champion of Algeria with MC Algiers (top scorer and passer), he chained with the East, where he established himself as a key element in the African Champions League. His sense of dribbling, his vision and his audacity make it a formidable weapon to destabilize Botswana. In competition with Said Benrahma for the left wing, he embodies the hope of a creative and unpredictable attack, essential to break the compact defenses.
Challenges and obstacles
The coach Petkovic must deal with several major absences: Houssem Aouar, Baghdad Bounedjah, Anis Hadj Moussa and goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea. Without forgetting a trying trip at 8 a.m. and a match scheduled at 2 p.m., in the middle of Ramadan, demanding careful management of physical and mental energy. The ability to adapt to these constraints will be decisive to avoid an ambitious Botswana trap.
Third in the group with 6 points, Botswana, qualified for the CAN 2024 (second participation in its history), increased under the interim of the South African Morena Ramoreboli, now permanent coach. With two victories in four matches (including a success against Guinea) and a series of four unbeaten matches in official competition, the “zebras” count on their audience and their solidity at home to create the feat. However, they never beat Algeria in an official match, a history that weighs in favor of the Fennecs.
An Algerian victory would allow us to take six points ahead of Botswana and calmly approach the shock against Mozambique (leader) next Tuesday. For Petkovic, the objective is clear: capitalize on offensive efficiency (Mahrez, Belaïli, Benrahma) and a rigorous defense (Bensebaini, Mandi) to dominate a tough but less experienced adversary. In a context where every detail counts, Algeria must transform its ambitions into acts. A success in Francistown would not only be a step towards the 2026 World Cup, but also a symbol of resilience after recent disillusionment, in particular their early elimination at CAN 2023. With Belaili in shape, the Fennecs have an additional asset to revive the offensive spark that sometimes missed. The road is still long, but the Fennecs have arms to shine. It’s up to them to confirm.
What time will the meeting take place?
The meeting between Botswana and Algeria will take place this Friday, March 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium stadium in Francistown (Botswana)
On which TV channel is broadcast Botswana – Algeria?
The meeting between Botswana and Algeria is not broadcast on any French channel. At the local level in Algeria, it is the ENTV land which holds the rights of transmission.
What streaming broadcast for this match?
To watch the match in streaming, you will have to be subscribed to the team. Thus, you will be able to follow the meeting via the team platform, the Live Foot Team
Possible initial compositions
Botswana’s probable composition: Phoko – Ditlhokwe, Gaolaolwe, Leinanyane, Kopelang – Ditsele, Modingwane, Batlokwa – Orebonye, Seakanyeng, Setsile.
The probable composition of Algeria: Oukidja – Ait Nouri, Mandi, Bensebaini, Atal – Zorgane, Boudaoui, Chaibi – Belaili, Mahrez, Gouiri.
The different ribs
Algeria remains favorite among bookmakers for this meeting outside in Botswana
BETCLIC: BOTSWANA 5.40 / DUSE 3.27 / Algeria 1.62.
Winamax: BOTSWANA 5.40 / DUSE 3.30 / Algeria 1.64.
Unibet: BOTSWANA 5.45 / DUSE 3.30 / Algeria 1.58.
Sports bets: Botswana 5.40 / zero 3.25 / Algeria 1.62.