JOHANNESBURG, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Monday congratulated the country's national men's senior football team (Bafana Bafana) for qualifying for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019.

On Sunday, South Africa beat Libya 2-1 to qualify for the continental tournament to be hosted by Egypt from June 21 to July 19.

"Bafana Bafana have done us proud, winning away from home in a crucial game is no small fit. I hope they continue with this fighting spirit in Egypt. As a nation we are proud of our teams, as ambassadors they will be flying our flag high and uniting our people," said South African Minister of Sports and Recreation Tokozile Xasa.

Xasa congratulated the national team coach Stuart Baxter and players for flying the country's flag high. She also called on the national to rally behind the team. "Sport continues to be a major uniting factor in our nation," Xasa said.

There will be 24 countries playing at the AFCON finals.