The Pharaohs conceded back-to-back draws for the first time in these qualifiers to finish the qualifiers on top of Groupe C with 14 points.

Botswana took an early lead eight minutes into the game when Omaatla Kebatho scored after capitalising on a poor defending inside the penalty area.

Eight minutes later, Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan equalised with a well-placed shot from outside the box, establishing himself as the top scorer for the Pharaohs since the arrival of coach Hossam Hassan.

The 30-year old winger has notched six goals for the Egyptian across all competitions, including two in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and four in the AFCON qualifiers.

Hossam Hassan's men had a crushing domination for the rest of the game with over 82% of ball possession and 29 attempts but none of that was enough to grab the full points of the game.

Egypt missed out on breaking their best-ever tally of 15 points achieved in the 2023 edition.

Botswana make second AFCON appearance

Botswana also secured their place in the finals, finishing second in the group standings with eight points, just one point ahead of Mauritania, who defeated bottom-placed Cape Verde 1-0 on the same day.

The top two teams from each group progress to the finals, setting the stage for an exhilarating competition.

It’s the second appearance for Botswana in the AFCON after 2012.

Morocco is scheduled to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the 35th edition of the biennial continental tournament, from 21 December 2025, to 18 January 2026. Twenty-four teams will participate.

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