Botswana’s national football team, the Zebras, has secured a historic return to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 12-year absence. The team booked their place in the Morocco 2025 tournament following a 1-1 draw against Egypt at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium on Tuesday. This marks Botswana’s second-ever appearance at the prestigious African competition, with their first coming in 2012.
Botswana’s Historic Achievement
The Zebras’ qualification journey was sealed with a dramatic draw against Group C leaders Egypt. Despite Egypt’s unbeaten record leading up to the match, Botswana delivered a resilient performance to clinch second place in the group, ensuring their spot in Morocco.
Botswana’s qualification signifies a remarkable turnaround for a team that has faced challenges in recent years. Their return to AFCON after more than a decade is a milestone that will inspire football enthusiasts across the country.
Early Drama in Cairo
The match began with a stunning start for Botswana as Omaatla Kebatho opened the scoring in the eighth minute. Kebatho latched onto a perfectly placed cross from Kabelo Seakanyeng, finishing with precision into the top right corner, silencing the Egyptian crowd.
However, Egypt, boasting a strong squad led by key players like Trezeguet and Mohamed Elneny, responded quickly. In the 15th minute, Trezeguet equalized with a brilliant strike from outside the box, finding the bottom left corner with pinpoint accuracy.
Both teams created opportunities to take the lead before halftime, but their defenses held firm, leaving the scoreline 1-1 at the break.
Second-Half Resilience
The second half saw Egypt dominate possession, pushing hard to maintain their unbeaten record. Omar Marmoush and Ibrahim Adel came close to scoring, but Botswana’s defense, led by goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, held strong. Phoko’s crucial saves throughout the match were instrumental in keeping Egypt at bay.
Knowing that a draw was enough to secure qualification, Botswana adopted a disciplined defensive approach in the final stages. Despite relentless pressure from Egypt and seven minutes of added time, Botswana’s backline stood firm, securing a historic result.
Mauritania Edges Cape Verde
In the group’s other fixture, Mauritania defeated Cape Verde 1-0 at the Stade Cheikha Ould Boïdiya in Nouakchott. Mohamed Soueid scored the decisive goal late in the first half, lifting Mauritania to third place in the group standings. Cape Verde, who endured a disappointing campaign, finished at the bottom with just four points.
Mauritania’s win was a bittersweet end to their campaign, as they narrowly missed out on qualification despite finishing strongly.
Final Group C Standings
- Egypt – 14 points (6 matches played)
- Botswana – 8 points (6 matches played)
- Mauritania – 7 points (6 matches played)
- Cape Verde – 4 points (6 matches played)
Key Moments in Botswana’s Journey
Botswana’s journey to AFCON 2025 has been marked by determination and growth. Their performances throughout the qualifiers showcased a balance of defensive discipline and attacking flair. The Zebras’ standout players, including Omaatla Kebatho and Kabelo Seakanyeng, played pivotal roles in achieving this historic milestone.
24/24. The plane to #AFCON2025 is ready to take off! ✈️ pic.twitter.com/0IQ14QKOKQ
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 19, 2024
What This Qualification Means for Botswana
Botswana’s return to AFCON after 12 years is a testament to the progress of football in the country. The Zebras’ achievement will undoubtedly boost the sport’s popularity and inspire the next generation of footballers.
Fans and analysts alike will look forward to seeing Botswana compete against the best teams in Africa at the Morocco 2025 tournament. The Zebras’ qualification adds to the diversity and excitement of the competition, as smaller footballing nations continue to make their mark on the continental stage.
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Looking Ahead to AFCON 2025
As The Zebras prepares for their second AFCON appearance, the focus will be on building a competitive squad capable of making an impact in Morocco. With players like Kebatho and Seakanyeng in form, the Zebras have the potential to surprise higher-ranked opponents.
Egypt, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on their unbeaten qualification campaign as they seek to add another AFCON title to their illustrious history.
A Triumph for Botswana Football
Botswana’s qualification for AFCON 2025 is a momentous achievement that reflects the determination and talent within the team. Their hard-fought draw against Egypt highlights the resilience and growth of the Zebras, who are now set to represent their nation on Africa’s biggest footballing stage.
As the tournament in Morocco approaches, Botswana’s fans can celebrate a historic moment while dreaming of more success in the upcoming competition.
