Egypt’s national football team wrapped up their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Botswana on Tuesday in the sixth round of the group stage. Despite dominating Group C with 14 points and securing their place in the finals, the Pharaohs’ performance left fans wanting more.
Botswana Strikes Early, Egypt Responds
Botswana took the lead just eight minutes into the game when Omaatla Kebatho capitalized on a defensive mishap inside the penalty area. However, the Pharaohs didn’t take long to equalize. Mahmoud Trezeguet Hassan, Egypt’s standout winger, scored a brilliant goal from outside the box only eight minutes later, solidifying his reputation as the team’s top scorer under coach Hossam Hassan.
Trezeguet, now 30 years old, has scored six goals across all competitions since the coach’s appointment—four in the AFCON qualifiers and two in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Dominance Without a Breakthrough
Despite an impressive 82% ball possession and 29 attempts on goal, the Egyptian team failed to find a winner, leaving fans frustrated. This result marks the second consecutive draw for the Pharaohs in the qualifiers, preventing them from surpassing their best-ever tally of 15 points achieved in the 2023 edition.
Botswana’s Milestone
Botswana also booked their spot in the AFCON finals, finishing second in Group C with eight points. Their qualification marks their second-ever appearance in the tournament, their first being in 2012.
Elsewhere in Group C, Mauritania narrowly missed out despite defeating Cape Verde 1-0 in their final match.
Looking Ahead to Morocco 2025
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, featuring 24 teams competing for continental glory. Egypt will aim to refine its strategy before the tournament, hoping to live up to its legacy as one of Africa’s most successful footballing nations.
Stay tuned as the Pharaohs prepare for the challenge ahead in Morocco!
