Botswana registered their first victory of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and a rare victory over neighbours Zambia as they won the COSAFA derby in Francistown on Monday with an early goal from Mosha Gaolaolwe.

The result catapulted the Zebras over Zambia in Group H where Algeria have already qualified with 10 points and Zimbabwe sit second on five.

Botswana are just one behind while the 2012 Cup of Nations winners are last in the group with only three points, having lost three of their four qualifiers.

Defender Gaolaolwe netted after only seven minutes at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in a perfect start for Botswana, who had only netted twice in their previous three games in the campaign.

It was a goal that looked to come off his knee as he got in between the Zambia defence and converted from close range.

Botswana hit the woodwork before half-time while Zambia, who threw strikers on in the second half in a bid to break down the stubborn home defence, came close to getting an equaliser in the 87th minute when Fashion Sakala saw his volley come off the cross-bar after hooking a long throw-in goalwards.

Zambia’s qualifying hopes are now in real peril and they effectively need to win their last two group games in March – including at hoe to holders Algeria – if they are to advance.