Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Botswana and Lesotho will bank on neighbours South Africa for more support in their quest to reach the final of the Sasol Eight Nations Cup.

The two countries have qualified for the semifinals of the spectacle and will face tricky opponents at Olen Park in Potchefstroom today.

Botswana face Ghana in the first semifinal match at 2.20pm and Lesotho engage Cameroon at 5pm.

The final will be played at the same venue on Thursday at 2.20pm.

While hoping for some neighbourly support, both countries will also be able to count on the support of their countrymen who are working in South Africa.

South Africa, who were tipped to win the yearly Under-23 tournament, were booted out of the tournament after their scoreless draw against Botswana on Sunday.

Botswana have brought their strong Olympic team and it will be suicidal of Ghana to underestimate them.

But it will also not be a walk in the park for them against Ghana.

Lesotho should also expect a difficult match against the Cameroonians.

Moemedi "Jomo" Motlhaping, the Silver Stars forward, should lead Botswana with verve upfront.

Joel Olerilwe is among the key players for Botswana in the midfield.

Lesotho have Katleho Moleko and Tefo Maipato who are expected to give Cameroon defenders a torrid afternoon.