Egypt will be present at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after they confirmed their qualification with a 1-0 victory away to Mauritania on Tuesday.

The Pharaohs needed just a draw in Nouakchott to confirm their presence in the prestigious tournament, but did more than that, claiming a victory thanks to Ibrahim Adel’s amazing late goal.

Collecting the ball deep inside his own half, Adel spotted Mauritania’s goalkeeper off his line, and scored an incredible long range strike that will live long in the memory.

“I was so lucky to score that beautiful goal. I saw the goalkeeper off his line and decided to hit it and it went in,” said Adel.

“I am very happy with the victory and the qualification for the AFCON. We haven’t done anything yet and I believe the future is bright for the national team.”

The Pharaohs topped the group with 12 points, marking the first time in the team’s history that they have achieved four consecutive wins in the AFCON qualifiers.

Hossam Hassan, Egypt national team manager, praised his players after the match: “I would like to thank my players for their great determination to win the match. 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.”

Mauritania, currently at the bottom of the table alongside Cape Verde with three points each, will travel to face Botswana (second, with six points) in the fifth round of the qualifiers.

Botswana has revived its hopes of reaching the AFCON for only the second time in history with back-to-back wins over Cape Verde. They have a chance to achieve their dream if they can defeat Mauritania at home in November.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com