Botswana registered their first victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after defeating Libya 1-0 in a Group J matchday five fixture at Francistown Stadium on Saturday.

Spurred on by their home fans, the Zebras got the only goal in the 45th-minute courtesy of Gape Mohutsiwa. Botswana looked the better side from the onset and should have taken the lead in the 12th minute when Mohutsiwa’s weak effort was punched out for a fruitless corner by Libya custodian Murad Al Woheshi.

Libya’s best chance of the first half came in the 34th minute when Muaid Ellafi combined well with Zakaria Alharaish and the latter squared the ball to the unmarked Muftah Khalifa Hamed Taktak but his first-time left-footed effort was pushed out for a corner by Lesenya Malapela.

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However, with the game headed to the half-time break tied at 0-0, the Zebras found the back of the net when Mohutsiwa finished off a cross from Lebogang Ditsele, taking his time with the ball before unleashing a thunderous shot past Al Woheshi.

In the second half, Botswana coach Mogomotsi Mpote kept pushing his players to add a second, while Libya resorted to defending despite trailing, and the few chances came Botswana’s way but they could not double their lead.

The victory pushed the Zebras to third in the group with four points, Libya remained bottom on three points, while Equatorial Guinea took command of the top spot with 12 points following their 1-0 victory against Tunisia at Nuevo Estadio de Malabo also on Saturday.

The defeat, which was the first for Tunisia in this qualification campaign, saw the North Africans drop to second position with 10 points. The National Thunder’s goal was scored by Emilion Nsue from the penalty spot in the 85th minute.

Botswana will wind up their group fixtures with a trip to face Tunisia on September 4, the same day Libya will host Equatorial Guinea at 11 June Stadium.