2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Botswana Shocks Cape Verde, DR Congo Stays Perfect, Ghana Held by Sudan
In a thrilling night of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on October 10, 2024, Botswana pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory against Cape Verde, DR Congo secured a narrow win over Tanzania, and Ghana’s qualification hopes took a hit with a frustrating draw against Sudan.
Botswana Stuns Cape Verde
Botswana claimed a crucial away win against Cape Verde, courtesy of an early strike from Tumisang Orebonye. The forward made his mark just two minutes into the match, finishing off a quick counter-attack with a powerful shot into the top corner, following a perfectly timed through ball from Kabelo Seakanyeng.
This victory lifts Botswana to three points, placing them level with Cape Verde, who also sit on three points after three matches. Egypt currently leads Group C with six points from two games, while Mauritania, with one point, is set to face Egypt on Friday in hopes of narrowing the gap.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Cape Verde struggled to find the equalizer. Botswana’s solid defense, anchored by goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, held firm against late pressure from the hosts. Fabrício Garcia and Jovane Cabral came close to scoring, but Botswana managed to secure the vital three points, leaving Cape Verde’s qualification hopes in jeopardy.
DR Congo Maintains Perfect Record
In Group H, DR Congo continued their impressive form with a 1-0 victory over Tanzania at Stade des Martyrs. The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Tanzania’s Clement Mzize inadvertently deflected a Congo cross into his own net, giving the hosts the lead.
This win marks DR Congo’s third straight victory, propelling them to nine points and solidifying their position at the top of the group. Tanzania remains in second place with four points, while Ethiopia and Guinea, both yet to secure a win, occupy the bottom spots ahead of their matchup on Saturday.
The match was tightly contested, with Tanzania creating several chances but failing to convert. Mbwana Samatta and Feisal Salum tested the DR Congo defense, while Arthur Masuaku nearly doubled the lead with a free-kick that struck the bar. With this result, Tanzania must secure a positive outcome in their next match to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Ghana Held to Goalless Draw
Ghana’s qualification campaign faced another setback as they were held to a goalless draw by Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Black Stars dominated possession and created multiple scoring opportunities but were unable to break through Sudan’s resolute defense.
Ghana now finds themselves third in Group F, with just two points from three matches, while Sudan’s point elevates them to second with four points. Angola leads the group with six points from two games, while Niger sits at the bottom with one point. Angola is set to face Niger on Friday.
In a match filled with frustration for Ghana, attacking stars Mohammed Kudus and Iñaki Williams came closest to scoring, but Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Al Mustafa and the defense stood strong against intense late pressure. As Ghana struggles to find their form, their path to qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations grows increasingly challenging.
As the qualifiers continue, the drama on the pitch highlights the fierce competition and unpredictability of African football, with teams vying for a place in the prestigious tournament.
