Zebras join AFCON carnival dance

Mqondisi Dube | Monday November 25, 2024 10:20

By the end of the weekend, all of Botswana's neighbours had booked their spaces in the 24-team Africa Cup of Nations finals assembly. On Friday, the Zebras had fluffed a glorious opportunity to put their participation in Morocco beyond doubt when they were forced to come from a goal down to draw 1-1 against Mauritania. It brought all sorts of permutations and anxiety as the Zebras departed for an unpredictable task away to Egypt whilst Mauritania fancied their chances against already eliminated Cape Verde in the final round clash. After eight minutes at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, the Zebras had the dream start after Omaatla Kebatho prodded them in front, but it was level matters just eight minutes later through Mohammed Trezeguet. It remained that way with the Zebras putting on a resilient rear guard action to see through the match.

In the closing stages, Goitseone Phoko had to claw the ball off the line with Egyptian players ready to wheel away in celebration. Egypt had some close moments but the Zebras were not to be denied, and with the full-time whistle, they confirmed their place amongst seven COSAFA members that will travel to Morocco for the AFCON finals next year in December. South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, which share a common border with Botswana, had all confirmed their places by Sunday. Namibia was Botswana's only neighbour that failed to secure a spot at the biennial finals. After Tuesday, all 24 countries to compete at the AFCON finals were confirmed and Botswana has some mixed company. There are no debutants this year, with Botswana and Comoros having the least appearances, at two each. Egypt at 26, have the highest number of appearances as well as titles (seven). Comoros is the least populated nation going to Morocco, with 852, 000 inhabitants, whilst Nigeria is the most populous at 223.8 million.

Qualified countries: Appearances and populations

1. Morocco appearances 20, population 37.84 million 2. Burkina Faso appearances 14, population 23.25million 3. Cameroon appearances 21, population 28.65 million 4. Algeria appearances 20, population 45.6 million 5. DRC appearances 20, population 102 million 6. Senegal appearances 17, population 17.76 million 7. Egypt appearances 26, population 112.7 million 8. Angola appearances nine, population 36.68 million 9. Equatorial Guinea appearances four, population 1.8 million 10. Cote d’Ivoire appearances 24, population 28.87million 11. Uganda appearances seven, population 48.58 million 12. South Africa appearances 12, population 60.4 million 13. Gabon appearances eight, population 2.4 million 14. Tunisia appearances 21, population 12.4 million 15. Nigeria appearances 21, population 223.8 million 16. Zambia appearances 18, population 20 million 17. Mali appearances 13, population 23.29 million 18. Zimbabwe appearances six, population 16.6 million 19. Comoros appearances two, population 852,000 20. Sudan appearances 10, population 48 million 21. Benin appearances five, population 13.71 million 22. Tanzania appearances three, population 67.44 million 23. Botswana appearances two, population 2.6 million 24. Mozambique appearances six, population 33.9 million