Paul Nyathi

Mosha Gaolaolwe scored the solo goal as Botswana beat Zambia by a solitary goal to pick their first win of the qualifiers and move to third in Group H. Gaolaolwe scored in the sixth minute, a lead that The Zebras jealously guarded to revive their hopes of qualification.

The three points picked at home after one draw and two losses sees them go to four points, one behind second placed Zimbabwe with two rounds of matches left.

They will welcome Zimbabwe at home before flying out to Algeria for their final two qualifiers and the result against Zimbabwe is now billed as a final.

Zambia have dropped bottom with three points and their final two matches at home against Algeria and away to Botswana will determine their fate.