Botswana’s Historic Return to AFCON After 12-Year Absence

Botswana returns to the AFCON for the first time since 2012 by securing a 1-1 draw against Egypt, ending Egypt’s unbeaten run in qualifiers. Mauritania also wins against Cape Verde, finishing third in Group C. Botswana’s disciplined defensive play and early goal were key to their qualification.

Botswana made a remarkable return to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 12-year hiatus, securing their spot in Morocco 2025. They achieved this feat by drawing 1-1 against Egypt at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium, thus ending Egypt’s unbeaten streak in Group C’s qualifiers. This significant milestone marks Botswana’s first qualification for AFCON since 2012 and their second appearance overall. The match unfolded in dramatic fashion as Botswana’s Omaatla Kebatho scored an early goal in the eighth minute, following an excellent cross from Kabelo Seakanyeng. Egypt quickly rallied back, with Trezeguet equalizing just seven minutes later with a powerful shot from outside the box. Despite the busy first half, with opportunities for both teams, the score remained level at halftime. The second half saw Egypt control the possession, as they generated multiple scoring chances, only to be thwarted by Botswana’s staunch defense and the impressive goalkeeping of Goitseone Phoko. Although Egypt pressed hard to secure a victory, including an intense seven minutes of stoppage time, they were unable to break through. Ultimately, Botswana’s disciplined defensive strategy allowed them to secure a historic draw and qualification to AFCON. In a separate fixture within Group C, Mauritania triumphed over Cape Verde with a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of a late first-half strike by Mohamed Soueid. This result propelled Mauritania to third place in the group with seven points, while Cape Verde finished at the bottom with four points, concluding a disappointing campaign.

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is a premier continental football tournament where African nations compete for glory. Countries participate in qualifying rounds to secure their places in the final tournament. Botswana’s qualification is particularly noteworthy as it celebrates a long-awaited return to the AFCON stage after an absence of 12 years, highlighting the team’s growth and resilience in a highly competitive group. Egypt, as one of the continent’s powerhouses, had high expectations entering the qualifiers, and despite their draw, they successfully secured a place in the finals.

In summary, Botswana’s 1-1 draw against Egypt marked a historic achievement, allowing the team to qualify for the AFCON for the first time since 2012. Their disciplined defensive play was crucial in securing this memorable result. Additionally, Mauritania’s win over Cape Verde added further intrigue to Group C’s standings, confirming the competitive nature of the qualifiers. Overall, this AFCON campaign showcased emerging talents and established teams as they gear up for the prestigious tournament in Morocco.

Original Source: www.cafonline.com