The second round of qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations concluded on Tuesday with a flurry of matches across the continent. Defending champions Ivory Coast, along with Egypt and Algeria, showcased their strength with second consecutive victories, positioning themselves firmly for the finals in Morocco. However, the day was not without its surprises, as Cameroon and Nigeria faced unexpected stumbling blocks.
Ivory Coast, aiming to defend their title, secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chad in neutral Cameroon. Striker Jean-Philippe Krasso, who had scored both goals in their previous win against Zambia, was once again on target, followed by a second-half strike from Oumar Diakite. The Ivorians now sit three points clear at the top of Group G, setting the pace for qualification.
Meanwhile, Egypt continued their impressive form, securing a 4-0 win away to Botswana in Francistown. Mahmoud Trezeguet scored two goals within the first half hour, followed by a goal from Mohamed Salah. The match was delayed by several hours due to Botswana’s late arrival after a match in Mauritania. Despite the late arrival and travel fatigue, Botswana was no match for the powerful Egyptians.
Algeria, with a dominant performance, defeated Liberia 3-0 to secure the top spot in Group E. They were 2-0 up within 25 minutes of play, effectively controlling the match from the start.
Cameroon, however, faced a setback, drawing 0-0 against Zimbabwe in Kampala. The match was overshadowed by the ongoing power struggle for control of the national team between the country’s football federation and its sports ministry. Despite the internal turmoil, Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, a Manchester United star, delivered a strong performance, keeping the Zimbabwean attackers at bay. The Premier League enjoys massive popularity in Uganda, and Onana’s presence in the game attracted a large crowd, eager to see the renowned goalkeeper in action.
Nigeria, after having a goal disallowed and hitting the woodwork, also drew 0-0 against Rwanda, leaving their position in Group D precarious. They lead the group by a single point over Benin, making their next match crucial for securing their qualification.
Mali secured a 1-0 victory over Eswatini, thanks to an early goal from Yves Bissouma. They joined Mozambique, who won the Lusophone derby against Guinea Bissau 2-1, on four points in Group I.
In a remarkable display of resilience, South Africa substitute Thalenthe Mbatha scored a dramatic late goal, five minutes into stoppage time, to secure a 3-2 victory over South Sudan in Group K. Mbatha had also scored a late equalizer in their previous match against Uganda, demonstrating his knack for dramatic moments.
With the second round completed, the race for qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues with the third and fourth rounds taking place next month. The final two rounds will be held in November, determining the final 24 teams that will compete in the prestigious tournament in Morocco.
