Botswana vs DR Congo Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Botswana have been in a period of decline for about half a decade or so as they now take on what is a strong and improving Democratic Republic of Congo side.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports

How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo

Botswana preview: Poor Botswana

Botswana had been competitive in the relatively recent past but they have since regressed again into being one of the weakest teams in Africa, and certainly one of the weaker sides in this tournament.

Botswana began their group stage campaign with a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Senegal in their opener before suffering a slender 1-0 loss to Benin in their most recent outing, the other day.

DR Congo preview: Strong DR Congo

Under the management of Sebastian Desabre, the Democratic Republic of Congo have the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs to look forward to after a recently impressive qualifying campaign and they will believe they can go deep into this competition.

DR Congo started their group stage campaign with a slender 1-0 victory over Benin in their opener, courtesy of a Theo Bongonda winner, before sharing a 1-1 draw with a strong Senegal side.

Botswana team news: Nothing fresh

With no points from their opening two games but still with a fully fit squad, there could be a temptation for Botswana to make changes here, albeit that remains unlikely.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Phoko; Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Johnson; Ditsele, Mohutsiwa; Ratshukudu, Orebonye, Seakanyeng; Kebatho

Unavailable: 

Questionable: 

DR Congo team news: No injury issues

DR Congo have a very strong squad and were able to make a few changes the other day without losing too much of a drop in quality, such as the likes of Edo Kayembe and Michel Balikwisha, who had been an injury doubt after being forced off in their opener.

Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy; Bongonda, Mukau, Sadiki, Elia; Bakambu

Unavailable: 

Questionable: 

Botswana vs DR Congo prediction

Botswana have one of the weakest squads with very little pedigree, experience and quality. They have lacked quality in this tournament, too, with no goals scored and four conceded a good reflection of that. DR Congo have depth and pedigree across the park, especially in attack, and they will be expected to come out on top here, even if Botswana try and make things difficult for their opposition.

Botswana vs DR Congo tip: DR Congo to win