Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy will miss the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025 after Tanzania secured a historic 1-0 victory over Guinea, eliminating the visitors on Tuesday. Simon Msuva’s decisive diving header in the 61st minute sparked jubilant celebrations as the Taifa Stars qualified for the fourth time, finishing second in Group H behind Congo.
Botswana and Mozambique Claim Final Spots
The final AFCON lineup was completed as Botswana and Mozambique clinched the last qualification places:
- Mozambique edged Guinea-Bissau 2-1 in Group I, with Stanley Ratifo’s goal in the second half ensuring their qualification alongside group winner Mali, which thrashed Eswatini 6-0.
- Botswana ended a 12-year AFCON drought by drawing 1-1 with Egypt in Cairo. Omaatla Kebatho’s early strike secured the runner-up spot in Group C behind seven-time champions Egypt, who topped the group with 14 points.
Shocks and Major Absentees
Four-time champions Ghana failed to qualify for the first time since 2004, finishing last in Group F after a 2-1 home loss to Niger. Guinea, needing only a point against Tanzania, fell short, while Mauritania missed out despite beating Cape Verde 1-0.
Other Qualified Teams
Recent qualifiers include Sudan, Benin, Comoros, Zambia, Mali, and Zimbabwe, joining earlier qualifiers like Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, and defending champions Ivory Coast. Morocco, the host nation, will stage the tournament from Dec. 21, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026.