Libya look to put Botswana to the sword

Rabia Al Shadi of Libya challenged by Feisul Salum of Tanzania

Tuesday May 31, 2022. 15:00

Libya will battle it out with Botswana in their first 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 18h00 CAT.

This Group J encounter is scheduled to be played at the Martyrs of February Stadium which is the second-most populous city in Libya, Benghazi.

The Mediterranean Knights are banking on their home ground advantage as they look to start their qualifying campaign on a winning note having participated in three AFCON finals.

The 1982 AFCON runners-up saw their two-match unbeaten run come to an end when they lost 2-0 to Mauritania in an international match on March 29 and they now have a new coach in Corentin Martins.

Meanwhile, Botswana are considered to be underdogs in Group J, but they will be hoping to defy the odds and qualify for the AFCON finals for the second time having participated in the 2012 event.

The Zebras are coming into this match having secured a 1-0 win over Eswatini in a practice match on Friday, but prior to that they had failed to win their last two matches at the 2021 COSAFA Cup.

This will be the fourth meeting between Libya and Botswana across all competitions.

Libya have the edge over Botswana having won one game, while two matches ended in a draw. Their last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in a friendly match in May 2007.