Botswana’s Young Zebras face a major attacking test in their bid to reach the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations after losing leading scorer Losika Ratshukudu for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.
The first leg is set for November 11 at Gaborone National Stadium, with kick-off at 19:00. Coach Michael Mogaladi has named his squad without the forward who helped Botswana advance past Seychelles in the previous round.
Ratshukudu scored three goals over the two-legged tie, including a brace in the opening match. His goals made him a key figure in Botswana’s progress, and his absence leaves Mogaladi searching for a new attacking formula against stronger opposition.
The Croatia-based forward has not been left out because of injury or poor form. Instead, he has earned a call-up to Botswana’s senior national team for the upcoming international window. Ratshukudu is among the forwards selected for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda, which takes place at Hoima City Stadium on November 14 – three days after the Young Zebras’ home match against Guinea.
His promotion is a welcome sign of progress for Botswana football, but it comes at a difficult moment for the Under-23 side. Ratshukudu’s goals were central to their previous-round success, and the team must now find other ways to threaten Guinea.
Mogaladi’s immediate task is to ensure the attack does not rely too heavily on one player. The remaining forwards will need to take on more responsibility, while the midfield must create the chances to turn possession into goals. Ratshukudu provided a dependable finishing touch against Seychelles; against Guinea, the Young Zebras will need a more collective and clinical effort in the final third.
The home leg could shape the entire tie. Botswana will look to make the most of familiar surroundings and home support before travelling to West Africa for the return match. Guinea, meanwhile, will know the hosts are without a proven scorer. The Young Zebras will be keen to show that their campaign depends on more than one player.
A strong performance in Gaborone would give Botswana a valuable platform for the away leg. A narrow result – or a failure to score – could leave them with a tougher task in Conakry.
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 16:00 at Stade du 28 Septembre. With only six days between the matches, Mogaladi and his technical team will have little time to address any weaknesses exposed in the opener. Botswana must push for a positive result while staying disciplined enough to avoid conceding goals that could complicate the return fixture.
The Young Zebras’ qualification hopes may hinge on how quickly they adapt to life without Ratshukudu.
