Botswana plan to end FIFA World Cup qualifiers on a high

Botswana team coach Stanley Tshosane. (Getty Images)

Gaborone (Botswana), June 15 (IANS): Botswana may be out of the race for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after losing to Ethiopia but coach Stanley Tshosane plans to win the remaining two matches of the qualifiers.

The Zebras welcome another eliminated side, Central Africa Republic (CAR), in a stadium here in a game that will be merely a formality for both sides, reports Xinhua.

Tshosane Friday said they will treat the match with the respect it deserves and are aiming for nothing but a win — for national pride.

“We may be out of the qualifiers but that does not mean we have thrown in the towel, we will soldier on to the end,” he said.

Botswana will play neighbours South Africa in the final match of the qualifiers in September. The Zebras had failed to make it to the next stage of the qualifiers and are currently at the bottom of their group with a single point from four matches.

Tshosane said they would use the remaining matches to prepare for future competitions, especially the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

He said it was important to build a strong team that would do well in the upcoming qualifiers for the continental competitions.

Also on the coach’s radar is the Confederations of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) senior challenge cup coming up in Zambia in July.

Meanwhile, CAR caretaker coach Herve Lougoundji said they were going to give the Zebras a tough match. CAR won the first leg 2-0 in Bangui last year.