Egypt faces Botswana this Tuesday at the Cairo Air Defense Stadium for the final day of the CAN 2025 qualifiers. Already qualified for the final phase in Morocco, the Pharaohs aim to maintain their invincibility in these qualifiers and establish a historical points record. Despite a draw against Cape Verde on Friday, they dominate their group with 13 points, securing their place for two days.
In the event of victory, Hossam Hassan’s men would reach 16 points, exceeding their best total of 15 obtained during qualifying for CAN 2023. A performance which testifies to their consistency, even in the absence of their star Mohamed Salah, left at rest for this international break. The attacking trio of Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed and Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan will once again be expected to carry the Egyptian attack.
Botswana, for its part, has no room for error. A defeat could destroy their chances of qualifying, but the Zebras will face a colossal challenge against an Egyptian team full of confidence. During the first leg in September, Egypt outclassed Botswana 4-0 thanks in particular to a double from Trezeguet, highlighting the gap in level between the two selections.
The Pharaohs will nevertheless have to deal with some notable absences. Goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy and midfielder Hamdi Fathi are suspended, while Mohamed Shehata is out due to a muscle injury. These absences could provide Botswana with opportunities, although the depth of the Egyptian squad appears sufficient to compensate.
This last match will be an opportunity for Egypt to confirm its favorite status and send a clear message to its future opponents in Morocco. For Botswana, it will be a battle for survival in the competition, facing a formidable opponent who remains undefeated at home.
Senegal
