* The final qualifying match began with a shock for the hosts as Botswana’s Omaatla Kebatho struck in the 8th minute
* The Zebras join fellow COSAFA representatives; Angola, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Comoros and Mozambique
Maravi Express
Council for the Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) member, Botswana drew 1-1 with Egypt yesterday to secure their place at the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Morocco 2025 — returning to the great continental soccer fiesta after a 12-year absence.
The draw also ended Egypt’s winning streak in the campaign and the AfCON qualification marks a significant milestone for the Zebras, who last appeared in 2012.
They join fellow COSAFA representatives; Angola, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Comoros and Mozambique alongside other nations — Morocco (hosts), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Algeria, DR Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Gabon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mali, Sudan, Benin and Tanzania.
CAFonline reports that the match began with a shock for the hosts as Botswana’s Omaatla Kebatho struck in the 8th minute, who capitalised on a well-placed cross from Kabelo Seakanyeng to finish emphatically into the top right corner, leaving Egypt stunned.
Egypt responded swiftly, with Trezeguet leveling the score in the 15th minute. His superb right-footed shot from outside the box found the bottom left corner, bringing relief to the home crowd.
Both teams had opportunities to take the lead before halftime, but the defenses held firm, and the first half ended 1-1.
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The second half saw Egypt dominate possession, creating several chances to secure a win.
Omar Marmoush and Ibrahim Adel came close but were denied by Botswana’s resilient defence and goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, who produced key saves.
Botswana, knowing a draw would suffice for qualification, focused on a disciplined defensive performance in the latter stages, fending off waves of Egyptian attacks.
The final round of Group K South Africa maintained their unbeaten record, clinching the group’s top spot after a 3-0 victory over South Sudan in Cape Town.
South Africa, already guaranteed a spot at the AfCON 2025, showcased their dominance with goals from Iqraam Rayners, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Teboho Mokoena.
Bafana Bafana completed their campaign with 14 points, scoring 16 goals across six matches while conceding just five.
In Group G, Zambia finished as leaders while Côte d’Ivoire showcased their dominance in a commanding 4-0 victory over Chad in Abidjan.
Heading into the final round, both Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire had already secured their qualification, however, the fight for the top spot in the group added an edge to the closing fixtures.
Zambia sealed first place in the group with a 2-0 win over Sierra Leone at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex from second-half goals by Emmanuel Banda and Kennedy Musonda ensuring a strong finish with 13 points from six games.
The Elephants, despite their resounding victory, finished second with 12 points.
Zambia’s consistency throughout the qualifiers, including four wins and just one loss, was the key to their group-topping finish.
They will head to Morocco brimming with confidence, while Côte d’Ivoire will look to build on their attacking depth showcased in their latest fixture.
The highly anticipated tournament, scheduled to kick off in December next year to feature a mix of perennial powerhouses and emerging teams eager to make their mark on the continental stage.
Joining Morocco are several former champions, including Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, and title holders Côte d’Ivoire — who all secured qualification with strong performances throughout the campaign.
Nigeria, Tunisia, and South Africa also stamped their tickets, ensuring the presence of some of the continent’s most iconic teams.
The qualifiers have also marked comebacks for nations like DR Congo, Angola and Gabon after extended absences, that reflects the evolving competitiveness of African football.
The qualification process highlights the rising level of football across the continent. With all 24 slots now filled, anticipation is building for what promises to be a memorable tournament.—Content by CAFonline; edited by Maravi Express
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