DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AP) — Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy will miss the Africa Cup of Nations next year after Tanzania upset Guinea 1-0 to qualify at the visitors’ expense on Tuesday.
Botswana also qualified with a 1-1 draw against already-qualified Egypt. Omaatla Kebatho’s early goal in Cairo was enough for Botswana to finish runner-up in Group C, one point ahead of Mauritania, which beat Cape Verde 1-0 in the other group game.
Seven-time champion Egypt finished with 14 points from six games, followed by Botswana on eight, Mauritania on seven and Cape Verde with four.
Guinea needed just a point its final Group H game in Tanzania, but the visitors appeared to play for the draw and were caught out in the 61st minute when Simon Msuva scored with a diving header to set off unbridled celebrations among the home fans.
It lifted Tanzania into second place — one point ahead of Guinea — to qualify as runner-up behind group winner Congo. It’s just the fourth time the Taifa Stars have qualified for the tournament.
Guinea-Bissau was hosting Mozambique later Tuesday — the final day of qualifying — with the last qualification spot at stake for both countries.
Morocco will host the 24-team Africa Cup from Dec. 21, 2025 to Jan. 18, 2026.
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The Associated Press