Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt defeated Botswana 4-0 on Tuesday, bringing matchday two of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification tournament to an end.
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah (right) shoots during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Botswana in Francistown.
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah (right) shoots during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Botswana in Francistown. Monirul Bhuiyan/AFP.
Other African powerhouses had varied results, with South Africa snatching a last-gasp 3-2 win in South Sudan and Nigeria being held scoreless in Rwanda.
Jean-Philippe Krasso, a late addition to Ivory Coast’s roster, opened the scoring as the reigning champions defeated Chad 2-0 in Yaounde to lead Group G by three points over Zambia.
East Africa had cause to celebrate when Kenya defeated Namibia 2-1 and Tanzania edged Guinea 2-1 to earn maximum points from away games.
Due to travel difficulties, Botswana landed in Francistown from Mauritania barely seven hours before meeting Egypt, the record seven-time AFCON champions led by Salah.
The host team fell behind after only four minutes when a Salah attempt was parried by custodian Goitseone Phoko, and Mahmoud Hassan — also known as Trezeguet — scored.
Trezeguet scored again to give the visitors a 2-0 half-time lead, which was extended on 56 minutes when Salah touched in a cross that evaded four players.
Mostafa Fathy sealed the victory in extra time, giving Group C leaders Egypt a perfect six points after they opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Cape Verde last Friday.
Rwanda’s custodian Fiacre Ntwari shone as the team defeated 2024 AFCON runners-up Nigeria in front of a boisterous Kigali crowd that included President Paul Kagame.
Ntwari consistently defied the Super Eagles, particularly Ademola Lookman, the only African among the 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or men’s trophy.
Lookman scored a three trick as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in this year’s UEFA Europa League final in Dublin.
Super sub, Mbatha.
When the Nigerian star scored in Kigali with a header midway through the first half, the goal was disallowed due to a foul by a teammate.
Rwanda is 92 places below Nigeria in the international rankings, but their dedication and energy were admirable, and the Wasps deserved a point.
Nigeria leads Group D with four points, followed by Benin with three, Rwanda with two, and Libya with one. The Nigerians’ next assignments are home and away matches against Libya in October.
Substitute Thalente Mbatha was South Africa’s toast once more, scoring the game-winning goal in the 95th minute against South Sudan on an artificial surface in Juba.
Namibia midfielder Ngero Katua (left) and Kenya forward Jonah Ayunga collide during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Soweto.
When the home team only partially cleared a Teboho Mokoena free kick, Mbatha rifled it past a swarm of players and Australia-based custodian Majak Mawith into the corner of the net.
After falling behind to a penalty converted by Toto Okello, South Africa lead 2-1 at the break thanks to an Oswin Appollis brace.
Sloppy defending allowed Valentino Yuel to equalise on 57 minutes, and the Bright Stars appeared to be on their way to an unexpected Group L point until Mbatha scored.
Mbatha made his national team debut off the bench last Friday and scored five minutes into extra time to help South Africa secure a 2-2 home draw with Uganda.
Uganda leads Group K with four points, ahead of South Africa on goal differential. Congo Brazzaville currently has three points, while South Sudan has none.
John Avire’s spectacular free-kick secured Kenya’s victory over Namibia in Soweto and first place in Group J, surpassing five-time African champions Cameroon in goals scored.
Mudathiri Yahya scored on 88 minutes to give Tanzania a 2-1 win over Guinea in Yamoussoukro. The Taifa Stars are second in Group H, two points behind the Democratic Republic of the Congo.