Tunisia vs Botswana prediction 28.09.2026 | Africa Cup of Nations

Tunisia have appeared in every Africa Cup of Nations since 1994, and it would be a huge surprise if they don't secure another continental tournament. However, they have been terrible recently, with seven matches in a row without a victory. After three World Cup defeats, Tunisia opened the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 1-1 home draw against Uganda. That was another terrible game for Tunisia, who lacked creativity, but also allowed the opponents to score on just xG of 0.30.

Tunisia's head coach, Moin Chaabani, was disappointed after a draw against Uganda. He said, "It was the national team’s first match after the 2026 World Cup, and it wasn't easy at all against a physically fit Ugandan team that won the duels and second balls. The Tunisian team needs some time to correct its mistakes, as we only trained three times before the match, and I think patience is essential for us to build a new team."

After a turbulent World Cup, Tunisia appointed Moin Chaabani as the new head coach. The biggest change is that Ellyes Skhiri decided to end his national team career. The team also misses Hannibal Mejbri, Ali Abdi, Rani Khedira, and a few other players who were in the team during the summer. The best player in the squad for September and October matches is Montassar Talbi (Lorient), while Anis Ben Slimane (Norwich), Adem Arous (Kasimpasa), and Amin Cherni (Nantes) should also have a big role.

Botswana have never played at the World Cup and have only appeared twice at the African Cup of Nations, where they have suffered six defeats. Tunisia should be the best team in this qualification group. Still, Botswana should have a good chance to compete with Uganda and Libya for the second position, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if they secure a place at a continental championship. On Thursday, Botswana opened the qualifiers with a 2-2 draw in Tripoli. The visitors led for much of the match and looked on course for an excellent away victory, but Libya struck twice late in the second half to rescue a point. Even so, taking a draw from such a difficult away fixture was a positive start for Botswana.

Most Botswana players are pretty unknown to the wider audience. Their only player in Europe is Losika Ratshukudu, who doesn't have a big role for Slaven Belupo in the Croatian league. The best Botswana player is probably Tumisang Orebonye of Libyan Al-Shomooa SC, while Gape Edwin Mohutsiwa (Ittihad Tanger), Mothusi Cooper (TONOTA FC), and Mosha Gaolaolwe (Mochudi Centre Chiefs) also deserve a significant mention.