Comoros vs Botswana

Botswana launch their 2025 COSAFA Cup journey in Group D, facing Comoros at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Monday.

Fresh off a 1-0 triumph against Zambia on Friday, Les Coelacantes are poised to secure the group’s sole knockout-stage spot with a victory, leading one of the tournament’s two three-team groups. Comoros’ narrow win at Free State Stadium saw Athletico Marseille’s Ibrahim Madi score just past the half-hour mark, followed by a solid defensive effort to hold off Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

Before Friday’s result, Comoros ended a three-game losing skid in March, edging Chad 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Under coach Stefano Cusin, they’ve earned four wins and two losses in six qualifier matches, amassing 12 points to sit second in Group I—three points behind leaders Ghana and two ahead of Madagascar, just outside the playoff position. After falling short in last year’s COSAFA Cup third-place playoff via penalties to Mozambique, Comoros are eager to advance further this time.

Meanwhile, Botswana’s coach Morena Ramoreboli aims for a strong start as his team chases their first COSAFA Cup title, having been runners-up in 2016 and 2019. The Zebras stumbled in the group stages in the past two tournaments, finishing second in Group A in 2023 and last in their group with just two points last year.

Botswana enter Monday’s pivotal clash in good shape, boasting three wins and two draws in their last six matches across all competitions, with their only loss a 3-1 defeat to Algeria in March’s World Cup qualifiers. In Group G of the qualifiers, they’ve secured three wins and three losses for nine points, placing third—three points behind Mozambique in the playoff spot.

Ranked 136th in the latest FIFA standings, Botswana face a Comoros side they’ve had success against, remaining unbeaten in three of their last four meetings, including victories in both encounters since March 2016.