Bafana Bafana to face Botswana in 2018 Chan qualifier

South Africa have been pitted against Botswana in the first round of the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifying campaign.

The continental tournament is for players, who are playing in their country's own domestic league and qualifiers are arranged regionally.

The Zebras of Botswana are scheduled to host Bafana Bafana on the weekend of 15-16 July in the first-leg and the second-leg will take place the following weekend.

The winner on aggregate will then face either Sihlangu Semnikati of Swaziland or Zambia's Chipolopolo in September in the final round of the qualifying campaign.

Bafana failed to qualify for the last Chan tournament which was hosted by Rwanda as they were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Palancas Negras of Angola.

South Africa under-20 head coach Thabo Senong was in charge of the team, while Bafana legend Helman Mkhalele served as his assistant. 

The last time South Africa and Botswana met was at the 2016 Cosafa Cup in Namibia. Bafana beat the Zebras 3-2 in the final to clinch their fourth title.

Kenya are set to host the 2018 Chan finals between 11 January and 2 February. DR Congo will be the defending champions.