<<Print>>

Botswana has named a strong 23-man squad for their international friendly with Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday. The Zebras will however be without their first two choice goalkeepers due to injury which leaves only Township Rollers goalie Kabelo Dambe in the squad. The South Africa-based midfield quintet of of Mogogogi Gabonaming, Diphetogo Selolwane, Phenyo Mongala, Boitumelo Mafoko and Jerome Ramatlhakwane have all been named in the squad. Saturday�s game against the Super Eagles was in response to pressures from the coach and supporters by the Botswana Football Association (BFA) of their weak efforts in preparing the team adequately for next year�s Africa Cup of Nations. Though Nigeria failed to qualify for the finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane who has raised several concerns over the seriousness of the BFA appears satisfied playing one of the powerhouses in African football especially with their array of Europe-based players. GHANAsoccernet.com also understands the BFA is also fighting tooth and nail to organize another friendly three days later with one of the powerful West African in France. Botswana have been drawn alongside Mali, Guinea and 2010 World Cup quarter finalists Ghana at the Nations Cup Group D which will be based in Franceville. The Zebras make their Nations Cup debut with a tough group opening game against Ghana on January 24.