Zebras fans at a watch party at Cresta Lodge broke into wild celebrations at the final whistle after the national side held Egypt to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening.
The result meant the Zebras will return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals for the second time in 12 years. The Botswana Football Association and its stakeholders hosted a watch party for the crucial AFCON qualifier. Zebras needed just a point to secure a berth at the continental showpiece to be held next year December in Morocco. The 1-1 draw meant the Zebras will be among the 24 teams at next year's competition. It was an anxious wait for the local fans after the Zebras had taken the lead in the eighth minute before Mahmoud Trezeguet equalised in the 16th minute. The fans had to endure 74 minutes of relentless attack from the Pharaohs as Morena Ramoreboli's charges adopted a defensive approach. Mauritania was leading Cape Verde 1-0 in the other game, which made the situation more nervy. New Minister of Sports and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng was among the crowd at the watch party and promised his government will assist better prepare the team for the finals.
