Egypt Set October 11 for Muratinia Fixture in 2025 AFCON Qualifiers

The Egyptian National team set October 11 as the date of Egypt's fixture against Mauritanian in the third round of 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Last week, Egypt's national football team delivered an impressive 4-0 victory over Botswana in their second match of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON) qualifiers. Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet" scored twice, while Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Fathi added a goal each, securing a dominant win that placed Egypt firmly at the top of their qualifying group with six points.

The match was played at Francistown Stadium in Botswana, with Egypt’s early lead setting the tone for a one-sided encounter. Botswana, now third in the group with zero points, struggled to keep up as Egypt controlled much of the game from start to finish.

The scoring began just five minutes in when Mohamed Salah broke through Botswana's defense, firing a shot that the goalkeeper blocked. However, the rebound fell perfectly to Trezeguet, who calmly slotted it into the net. Egypt’s attacking pressure continued as they looked for more opportunities, while Botswana struggled to mount a counterattack.

Rami Rabia of Egypt briefly halted play in the 10th minute due to injury, but Egypt quickly regained their rhythm. A close chance came from Ahmed "Zizo" Sayed, whose shot was saved and deflected wide. Egypt maintained control, pushing for a second goal.

That goal came in the 29th minute, with Trezeguet netting his second after receiving a pinpoint pass from Rabia. His composed finish from inside the box doubled Egypt’s lead, leaving Botswana on the back foot for the remainder of the match.

Despite a slower tempo after the second goal, Egypt remained in control. Salah nearly added a third before halftime, but Botswana’s goalkeeper managed to parry his shot. The third goal, however, arrived early in the second half. In the 55th minute, Mohamed Hamdy delivered a precise cross to Salah, who finished clinically, putting Egypt up 3-0.

Botswana began to show more fight after the third goal, creating a few notable chances. In the 65th minute, Kgamanyane Seakanyeng found himself with a golden opportunity in a one-on-one with Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, but his shot drifted just wide of the post. Another attempt from Thibedi soon followed, but it sailed over the crossbar.

As the game progressed, Egypt continued to dominate possession, and in the 75th minute, Mohamed Salah was substituted after a strong performance. He handed the captain's armband to Mohamed Elneny, marking Salah’s 100th appearance for Egypt. This milestone places him among an elite group of players who have earned over 100 caps for the Pharaohs.

Botswana pressed for a late goal, but their efforts were denied by El-Shenawy, who remained solid between the posts. In stoppage time, Egypt put the final touch on their victory with a fourth goal. Substitute Mostafa Fathi scored after receiving a perfectly placed pass from Ibrahim Adel, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 win.

With this result, Egypt remains at the top of their qualifying group with a perfect record of six points from two matches. The Pharaohs are well on their way to securing a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with their commanding performance reaffirming their position as one of Africa's top teams.