Egypt takes on Botswana in their final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium on Tuesday.
With Egypt’s qualification already assured, the focus shifts to Botswana, who need just a draw to end their 12-year absence from the continental tournament.
Match Preview
Egypt enters the game after a 1-1 draw with Cape Verde on Friday, a match that halted their perfect qualifying run.
Taher Mohamed’s first-half strike gave the Pharaohs the lead, but Cape Verde’s Ryan Mendes equalized in the second half, earning a crucial point for his team.
Despite the minor setback, Egypt has had a dominant campaign, winning their first four qualifiers, including back-to-back victories over Mauritania in October.
Under Hossam Hassan’s guidance, the Pharaohs are on a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Their home form is particularly intimidating, with 12 consecutive competitive victories in Cairo, dating back to 2019.
Botswana, meanwhile, missed an opportunity to secure qualification last week, drawing 1-1 with Mauritania. Aboubakary Koita opened the scoring for Mauritania, but Gilbert Baruti quickly equalized for the Zebras.
The result leaves Botswana second in Group C with seven points, three ahead of Cape Verde. A draw in this game would ensure Botswana’s return to AFCON for the first time since 2012.
However, history is not on Botswana’s side. They have lost their last four matches against Egypt, conceding nine goals without reply. Their last positive result against the Pharaohs was a 1-1 draw in 2013.
Team News
Egypt will be without midfielder Mohamed Shehata, who picked up an injury against Cape Verde. Nabil Donga is expected to replace him in the midfield, partnering with Ahmed Nabil Koka and Mahmoud Saber.
In attack, Al Ahly forward Taher Mohamed, who impressed in the last game, is likely to feature alongside Osama Faisal and Ibrahim Adel.
Botswana is expected to field an unchanged XI, sticking with the lineup that faced Mauritania. The defensive quartet of Alford Velaphi, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, and Mothusi Johnson will protect goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.
Gilbert Baruti will anchor the midfield, while Thabang Sesinyi, Kabelo Seakanyeng, and Tumisang Orebonye lead the attack.
Possible Lineups
Egypt: El-Shenawy; Hamdi, Rabia, Fath, Eid; Donga, Saber, Koka; Mohamed, Faisal, Adel.
Botswana: Phoko; Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Johnson; Mohutsiwa, Modingwane, Baruti; Sesinyi, Seakanyeng, Orebonye.
Prediction
While Egypt has little to play for, their depth and home advantage make them firm favorites. However, with so much at stake for Botswana, Ramoreboli’s side might rise to the occasion.
Expect a tightly contested game with Botswana managing to secure the point they need to qualify for AFCON 2025.
Final Score Prediction: Egypt 1-1 Botswana.
