Botswana will make a return in this age-group when they compete at the Boys’ football competition at the Region 5 Games Maseru 2020 having missed the last two COSAFA Men’s Under-17 Championships.

The team did not compete in 2019 and then fell afoul of eligibility regulations in 2020 that meant they could not take part either.

But they do have a long history with the competition. Their journey began in 1994, but it proved a difficult experience as the side lost all three games to Mozambique (1-0), Zimbabwe (1-0) and Lesotho (3-1).

They got their first win in the 2001 tournament, defeating Mauritius 5-0, but a 2-0 defeat to Malawi meant they exited at the first stage.

The team finished third at the 2002 event following a loss to hosts South Africa (2-0) and draws with Eswatini 1-1 and Lesotho (2-2).

Their next showing in 2007 proved a chastening experience as they suffered heavy losses in both games, going down to Malawi (6-1) and Zambia (8-0).

They did not feature in 2016, but returned in 2017 and gained a second victory, this time against Zimbabwe (2-1). But that was after they lost to Malawi (2-0) and hosts Mauritius (2-1).

The side was desperately close to a semifinal place in 2018, losing out only on goal-difference after three sides all finished on six points.

They beat Mauritius (1-0) and Seychelles (2-1) but lost to Namibia (2-0) to end what was still a successful tournament.

Last five tournament finishes:
2016 – Did not enter
2017 – Group Stages
2018 – Group Stages
2019 – Did not enter
2020 – Disqualified