Egypt has confirmed its place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mauritania on Tuesday in Nouakchott. The Pharaohs only needed a draw to secure qualification but went a step further, claiming all three points thanks to a spectacular late strike from Ibrahim Adel.
In a game that tested Egypt’s resilience, the decisive moment came when Adel produced a goal of stunning quality.
Deep inside his own half, he noticed Mauritania’s goalkeeper off his line and unleashed a long-range effort that found the back of the net, etching his name into the match’s history.
“I was so lucky to score that beautiful goal,” said Adel after the match.
I saw the goalkeeper off his line and decided to hit it, and it went in.
I am very happy with the victory and the qualification for the AFCON.
We haven’t done anything yet, but I believe the future is bright for the national team.”
Adel’s incredible strike capped off a successful qualifying campaign for Egypt, who now top their group with 12 points.
The Pharaohs’ perfect run, securing four consecutive wins in the qualifiers, marks the first time in the team’s storied history that they have achieved such a feat.
Egypt’s national team manager, Hossam Hassan, praised his players for their effort and discipline in what proved to be a challenging match.
I would like to thank my players for their great determination to win the match,” Hassan said. “It is not easy to come here and get the three points.
We faced a big team with an excellent coach, and I wish them all the best in the remaining matches of the qualifiers.”
For Mauritania, the loss leaves them at the bottom of the group with just three points, tied with Cape Verde.
Despite their difficult position, they still have a chance to improve their standing in the next round of qualifiers.
Mauritania will travel to Botswana in November for a critical fifth-round clash.
Botswana, who sits second in the group with six points, revived their AFCON hopes with consecutive victories over Cape Verde.
A win against Mauritania could see them on the verge of qualifying for only the second time in their history.
As the qualifiers enter their final stages, Egypt’s ticket to Morocco in 2025 is secured, while the race for the remaining spots intensifies.
