Botswana back on track after beating Burkina Faso

Botswana national football team defeated visiting Burkina Faso 1-0 to get their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign back on track in Francistown, Botswana's second largest city situated some 430km north of the capital, Gaborone on Saturday.

Botswana have now three points from two matches after they lost their opening Group D game 0-2 to Uganda in Kampala in June.

Comoros are the only team without a win after they suffered a 0-1 defeat at home to visiting Uganda on Saturday. Uganda are now leading the group with six points while Burkina Faso and Botswana have three points apiece.

Former South African based striker Joel Mogorosi gave the home side the lead after 51 minutes to record their first win of qualifiers. Mogorosi received a killer pass from Lebogang Ditsile who dribbled past his marker to set up the towering winger.

The game started on a high tempo with Zebras midfielder Galagwe Moyana's cross from the left found his teammate Hendrick Moyo unmarked inside the Burkina Faso box.

However, Stallions defender Steeve Yago pounced from the back, and cleared the ball away before Botswana striker Moyo could take a shot at goal.

The home side then took full control of the game. In the 24th minute, Mogakolodi Ngele combined with Kabelo Seakanyeng brilliantly on the edge of the Stallions box. Before Botswana Defence Force (BDF) XI winger Kabelo Seakanyeng burst into the area, and forced Burkina Faso goalkeeper Germain Sanou into a great low save.

The Stallions launched a quick counter attack from the left-hand side in the half-hour mark, but Botswana keeper Kabelo Dambe denied Prejuce Nakoulma from close range.

Botswana suffered a major set when their main striker Omaatla Kebatho limped of the pitch six minutes before the interval. Kebatho was replaced by Zebras captain Joel Mogorosi.

In the 72 minutes, Burkina Faso head coach Gernot Rohr made two changes introducing Ali Rabo and Narcisse Yameogo for Yago and Lorient forward Alain Traore, who had a quiet afternoon. Al-Nasr winger Jonathan Pitroipa had a chance to restore parity in the 80th minute, but his effort hit the upright, with Dambe well-beaten.

Stallions launched late attacks, but the Zebras defence stood firm, while Boitumelo Mafoko tightly marked new Chippa United striker Aristide Bance. Ultimately, Botswana held on and registered a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso.

Botswana's next game will be against the Comoros at the end of March next year, while Burkina Faso face Uganda. Endi