Tanzania stunned Guinea to secure their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while Botswana and Mozambique also earned their places in next year's tournament.
Guinea needed at least a draw in Dar Es Salaam to finish second in Group H, but Tanzania knew a win would guarantee them a ticket to Morocco. Despite Guinea’s Mady Camara hitting the crossbar before halftime, Tanzania claimed a 1-0 victory with Simon Msuva scoring the decisive goal in the 61st minute, heading in from close range.
Ranked 34 spots below Guinea in the world, Tanzania, who will co-host the 2027 Afcon with Kenya and Uganda, secured a memorable win to book their place at the tournament.
In another key match, Botswana qualified for just their second-ever Afcon finals, earning a crucial point in a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Cairo. Omaatla Kebatho gave Botswana an early lead after a defensive error by Egypt, but Trezeguet equalized for the Pharaohs.
The Zebras held firm to finish second in Group C, one point ahead of Mauritania, who secured a 1-0 victory over 10-man Cape Verde in their final match.
Meanwhile, Mozambique knew a draw against Guinea-Bissau would be enough to qualify, while the hosts needed a win. Mozambique took the lead in the ninth minute through Bruno Langa, but Everton striker Beto equalized just before halftime. Stanley Ratifo put Mozambique back in front in the 52nd minute, and they held on to win 2-1, securing back-to-back Afcon qualifications.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will begin on 21 December next year and run through 18 January 2026. The Confederation of African Football has not yet announced the date for the group stage draw.
Here are the teams that have qualified for Afcon 2025: Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.