AFCON Qualifiers: Salah shines as Egypt thrashes Botswana, South Africa steals late win

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was on target as Egypt stormed to a 4-0 victory over Botswana in their second match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Meanwhile, South Africa secured a dramatic last-minute 3-2 win over South Sudan, and Nigeria was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Rwanda.

Salah played a key role in Egypt’s dominant display against Botswana, scoring their third goal in the 56th minute. Mahmoud Hassan, better known as Trezeguet, opened the scoring early and added a second to give the visitors a 2-0 lead at half-time. Salah’s tap-in from a cross after the break made it 3-0, and Mostafa Fathy sealed the win with a late goal in added time. The victory puts Egypt at the top of Group C with six points, following their 3-0 win over Cape Verde in the opening match.

In Kigali, Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari was the hero as he produced several stunning saves to deny Nigeria, including key stops against Ademola Lookman, who recently made headlines as the only African nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Despite Nigeria’s dominance, they were unable to break the deadlock, and when Lookman did find the net, it was ruled out due to a foul in the build-up. Rwanda ranked 92 places below Nigeria, earned a well-deserved point, leaving Nigeria with four points and top in Group D.
Meanwhile, South Africa snatched a thrilling 3-2 win over South Sudan thanks to a 95th-minute strike from substitute Thalente Mbatha. After trailing early from a penalty converted by Toto Okello, South Africa levelled the score through Oswin Appollis, who netted twice before half-time. South Sudan equalized again in the second half, but Mbatha’s late goal, his second consecutive match-winning effort for South Africa, ensured victory for the visitors. South Africa now sits second in Group K.

In other games, Ivory Coast, the defending AFCON champions, beat Chad 2-0 to lead Group G, with Jean-Philippe Krasso opening the scoring. East African teams also celebrated success, as Kenya defeated Namibia 2-1 and Tanzania edged Guinea 2-1 in away fixtures, strengthening their chances of qualification.

As the AFCON qualifiers continue, teams across Africa are jostling for a spot in the prestigious tournament set for 2025, with several standout performances and surprising results.