Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt cruised to a 4-0 victory over Botswana on Tuesday, highlighting a day of mixed fortunes for African football powerhouses in the second round of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches.
Egypt, the record seven-time AFCON champions, dominated from the start in Francistown. Mahmoud Hassan, known as Trezeguet, opened the scoring in the fourth minute, pouncing on a rebound from a Salah shot. Trezeguet doubled the lead before halftime, with Salah tapping in a third goal in the 56th minute. Mostafa Fathy completed the rout in stoppage time.
“Our performance today was excellent,” Egypt coach Rui Vitória said. “Salah’s leadership on the field continues to inspire the team.”
The win puts Egypt atop Group C with six points from two matches, following their 3-0 victory over Cape Verde last week.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, runners-up in the 2024 AFCON, were held to a surprising 0-0 draw by Rwanda in Kigali. Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari put on a stellar performance, repeatedly denying the Super Eagles, particularly Ademola Lookman.
“It’s a frustrating result, but credit to Rwanda’s defensive organization,” Nigeria coach José Peseiro said. “We created chances but lacked the final touch.”
The draw leaves Nigeria with four points in Group D, followed by Benin with three, Rwanda with two, and Libya with one.
In a thrilling encounter in Juba, South Africa snatched a 3-2 victory over South Sudan with a 95th-minute winner from substitute Thalente Mbatha. The Bafana Bafana overcame an early deficit, with Oswin Appollis scoring twice to give them a 2-1 halftime lead. Valentino Yuel equalized for South Sudan before Mbatha’s late heroics.
“This win shows the character of our team,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said. “Mbatha’s impact off the bench has been crucial in our last two matches.”
Elsewhere, defending champions Ivory Coast defeated Chad 2-0 in Yaounde, with Jean-Philippe Krasso opening the scoring. The win puts the Elephants three points clear at the top of Group G.
East African sides Kenya and Tanzania both secured away victories. Kenya beat Namibia 2-1 in Soweto, propelled by John Avire’s spectacular free-kick, while Tanzania edged Guinea 2-1 in Yamoussoukro with a late goal from Mudathiri Yahya.
The results have shaken up several qualifying groups, with traditional powerhouses facing stiff competition from emerging teams. The qualifying campaign for the 2025 AFCON, set to be hosted by Morocco, continues with the next round of matches scheduled for October.
As the journey to AFCON 2025 unfolds, these early results suggest a potentially thrilling and unpredictable road ahead for Africa’s football nations.
