Algeria - Botswana: Fennecs' defense decimated

Algeria enters the final stretch of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers this Thursday, September 4, by hosting Botswana in Tizi-Ouzou.

Solid leader of Group G with fifteen points, the Algerian team led by Vladimir Petkovic advances with ambition and confidence for the duel against Botswana in the 7th day of the qualifiers, strong from an impressive series of victories against Uganda, Botswana and then Mozambique. This recovery, marked by a prolific attack and a rediscovered team, erased the doubts born from the defeat conceded on the third day against Guinea, a setback ultimately without much consequence given the current momentum. The Fennecs now appear in pole position to secure direct qualification, a major objective after two missed World Cups.

A cascade of forfeits in defense

This match will not, however, be without some defensive shocks. The coach must contend with a series of absences. Mohamed Farsi, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Mohamed Amine Madani are all out due to injury, while Jaouen Hadjam had to leave the training camp for family reasons. Faced with this conundrum, Petkovic will have to innovate and tinker, likely entrusting the right wing to Kevin Guitoun, while Youcef Atal, usually a right-back, is expected to be repositioned on the left flank. This forced reorganization changes the balance, but also demonstrates the adaptability of this squad in search of defensive certainties.

While the rearguard appears weakened, the heart of the Algerian game remains a true source of wealth. Even without the injured Himad Abdelli, the midfield is brimming with creative and experienced talent. Riyad Mahrez, captain and playmaker, will be able to count on the technical finesse of Saïd Benrahma and the vision of Houssem Aouar. Added to these names is Ilan Kebbal, whose sparkling start to the season with Paris FC has earned him a return to the national team. With such an inspired quartet, even though two players will start on the bench, forwards Amine Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura should have plenty of ammunition to break the Botswanan lock. This attacking sector, capable of rapid changes and flashes of genius, will once again be the driving force behind Algeria's ambitions.

Fill up before Guinea

Botswana, third in the group with nine points, arrives hoping to cause a surprise, but aware of the scale of the task. The team led by Morena Ramoreboli is relying on a generation in search of guidance and sees the arrival of two new midfielders, Thapelo Mabedi and Shanganani Ngada, as an opportunity for renewal. The return of key players such as Mpho Kgaswane and Thabo Maponda also offers greater stability. The Zebras, who are coming off a victory against Somalia, know, however, that their chronic inconsistency, symbolized by a string of recent draws and defeats, weakens them before facing the group leaders.

In this context, Algeria enters the match as the logical and undisputed favorite. A victory against Botswana would allow the Fennecs to move even closer to direct qualification and calmly prepare for the eagerly awaited clash against Guinea, scheduled for next Monday in Morocco. While the balance of power suggests little suspense, caution remains the order of the day in often unpredictable African football. Nevertheless, the determination of a squad seeking global redemption and the fervor of a packed stadium should be enough to guide the Greens to another victory, thus consolidating their march towards the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What time will the meeting take place?

The match between Algeria and Botswana will take place this Thursday at 9:00 p.m. at the Hocine Aït Ahmed stadium in Tizi Ouzou.

On which TV channel is Algeria-Botswana broadcast?

The match between Algeria and Mozambique is not being broadcast on any French channel. Locally in Algeria, terrestrial ENTV holds the broadcasting rights.

What streaming broadcast is there for this match?

To stream the match, you'll need to be a L'Equipe subscriber. This way, you'll be able to follow the match via L'Equipe's platform, L'Equipe Live Foot.

Possible starting compositions

Algeria's probable line-up : Guendouz - Atal, Mandi, Bensebaïni, Guitoun - Boudaoui, Benzia, Chaïbi Mahrez - Gouiri, Amoura

The probable composition of Botswana: Phoko - Velaphi, Kopelang, Gaolaolwe, Johnson - Mohutsiwa, Baruti, Setsile, Boy, Ditsele - Orebonye

The different coasts

Algeria is the clear favorite among bookmakers for this confrontation against Botswana. Betclic: Algeria 1.15 / Draw 5.65 / Botswana 15.75 Winamax : Algeria 1.16 / Draw 5.80 / Botswana 16.00 Unibet: Algeria 1.14 / Draw 5.20 / Botswana 14.20 Parions Sports : Algeria 1.13 / Draw 5.30 / Botswana 14.50