The Egyptian National Team concluded their AFCON qualifiers campaign with a 1-1 draw against Botswana at the Cairo International Stadium.

With Egypt already assured of qualification, head coach Hossam Hassan opted to field a heavily rotated side, offering opportunities to substitute players. Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet, Marwan Attia, and Mostafa Mohamed were the only names from the regular starting lineup, while Mostafa Shobeir stood between the posts in place of the suspended Mohamed El-Shennawy.

Egypt XI: Mostafa Shobeir – Mohamed Hamdy, Mohamed Rabia, Ahmed Ramadan, Omar Kamal – Marwan Attia, Nasser Maher, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet – Taher Mohamed, Mostafa Mohamed, Omar Marmoush.

Botswana XI: G. Phoko – T. Leinanyane, M. Gaolaolwe, L. Ditsele, T. Ditlhokwe, C. Molefe, G. Baruti, G. Modingwane, K. Seakanyeng, O. Kebatho, T. Orebonye.

The Pharaohs faced an early setback in the eighth minute when a defensive lapse allowed Botswana to take the lead through Omaatla Kebatho. Egypt quickly found their way back to the game, though. Just seven minutes later, Trezeguet equalized with a strike from outside the box. This marked his 22nd career goal for the national team.

Botswana’s Kebatho came close to doubling his tally in the 32nd minute, but Shobeir produced a crucial save to keep the score level. Egypt struggled to break through Botswana’s defense despite dominating possession for the remainder of the first half. The first half ended 1-1.

The second half saw Botswana play a deep defensive block, protecting the draw that would secure their qualification for the 2025 AFCON. Egypt pushed forward, with Marmoush and Nasser Maher testing Botswana’s defense. However, injuries and substitutions began to shift the game. Hossam Abdel-Meguid replaced Ahmed Ramadan in the 59th minute, and Ibrahim Adel and Osama Faisal entered the game in the 68th minute to add attacking power.

Although their dominance was marked by 82% possession and an impressive 29 shots, Egypt found it challenging to penetrate the final third effectively. The late introduction of Mostafa Fathi and Mahmoud Zalaka did little to change the outcome, as Botswana’s defense held strong, resulting in the game ending in a draw.

The draw leaves Egypt at the top of Group C with 14 points, ending a dominant qualifying campaign. Botswana’s draw secured their place at the 2025 AFCON with eight points, while Mauritania narrowly missed out, finishing third with seven points. Cape Verde rounded out the group in fourth with just three points.