Arajiga to Officiate Key Algeria vs Botswana Match

Crucial 90 Minutes for Arajiga as Algeria Faces Botswana Test

Friday, March 21, 2025

Tanzanian referee Ahmed Arajiga is set to oversee a pivotal World Cup qualifier today between Algeria and Botswana, just two weeks after missing out on officiating the highly anticipated Yanga vs Simba derby in the Tanzanian Premier League due to its postponement by the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB).

Originally scheduled for March 8, 2025, the derby was called off, delaying Arajiga’s high-profile assignment. Now, his new task is no less demanding, as he takes charge of a critical Group G clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The fixture, set to take place at the Francistown Stadium in Botswana, holds immense stakes for both the home side and visiting Algeria. The encounter has grown in significance following Mozambique's 3-1 victory over Uganda yesterday, March 20, 2025, in Egypt—a result that has reshaped the group standings and intensified the competition.

As it stands, Mozambique tops the group with 12 points from their fixtures, followed closely by Algeria with 9 points. Botswana sits third with 6 points, making today’s match a potential game-changer in the race to qualify for the World Cup.

Should Algeria secure a win, they will draw level with Mozambique at 12 points and top the group thanks to a superior head-to-head record. However, a defeat would see Botswana leapfrog into second place with 9 points, reviving their hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 finals.

A loss for Algeria would significantly dent their World Cup aspirations, adding pressure to a side aiming for a fifth appearance at the tournament after previously qualifying in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014.

Officiating this high-stakes clash, Arajiga will be supported by assistant referees Kassim Mpanga and Said Hamdani, while Salum Nasir has been designated as the fourth official.