Egypt cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory over Botswana in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C qualifier on Tuesday evening at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The result strengthened Egypt’s hold on the top spot in the group, while Botswana languished at the bottom after suffering their second consecutive defeat.
It took the Pharaohs just five minutes to assert their dominance, as Trezeguet found the back of the net to give the visitors an early lead.
The skilful winger capitalized on poor defensive organization from Botswana, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko with a composed finish, silencing the home fans.
Botswana struggled to contain Egypt’s relentless attack throughout the first half.
The Zebras’ backline, led by captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, was under constant pressure from the Pharaohs’ forwards.
Trezeguet continued to torment the hosts and doubled Egypt’s advantage in the 29th minute.
A swift move down the flank saw the winger collect the ball and calmly dispatch a fine finish, putting Egypt firmly in control with a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
The second half brought no relief for Botswana, as Egypt continued to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.
In the 56th minute, Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s talismanic captain and Liverpool star, extended the lead.
Salah, who had been pulling the strings in attack, made no mistake when he received the ball in the box, firing home to make it 3-0.
Botswana tried to rally in the latter stages of the game, pushing forward in search of a consolation goal.
The Zebras launched several attacks, but Egypt’s defense, marshaled by veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawi, held firm.
As Botswana committed more players forward, they left themselves vulnerable at the back, and Egypt capitalized in stoppage time.
Mostafa Fathi added a fourth goal deep into injury time, rounding off the scoring in the 90th minute plus four.
The forward latched onto a through ball and coolly finished to seal Egypt’s emphatic 4-0 victory.
The win keeps Egypt perfect in Group C, with two victories from two matches, while Botswana are rooted at the bottom of the standings, struggling to find form as they face an uphill battle to qualify for the AFCON tournament.
Teams:
Botswana: Phoko; Velaphi, Kopelang, Ditlhokwe, Mangolo, Gaolaolwe (Thibedi 69′), Majafi (Majafi 52′), Ramotse, Mohutsiwa (Baruti 69′), Orebonye, Seakanyeng.
Egypt: El Shenawi; Hamdi (Adel 75′), Fathy (Fathi 83′), Rabia, Hany, Attia, Sobhi, Trezeguet (Elneny 75′), Zizo (Maher 83′), Salah (Koka 75′), Faisal.
