Egypt will miss the services of Mohamed Salah - Photo Malawi FA.
The Egyptian national team is gearing up to face Cape Verde in the fifth round of the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to be held in Morocco.
Group C Standings
Egypt currently tops Group C with 12 points, having won all its qualifying matches so far. Meanwhile, Cape Verde sits in third place with 3 points. Egypt has already secured its spot in the tournament after a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in the previous round.
Team Form and Performance
Cape Verde has been struggling in recent matches, losing five of its last seven games, despite a strong start at AFCON 2024 earlier this year. Their qualifying campaign has been disappointing, with surprising defeats to Botswana in both the third and fourth rounds.
Egypt, on the other hand, has shown consistent form throughout the qualifiers under the guidance of head coach Hossam Hassan, with a solid defense and balanced attack.
The Pharaohs also claimed a decisive 3-0 win over Cape Verde in the first leg in Cairo, proving their strength in this matchup.
Cape Verde's Key Players
Cape Verde will rely on the talents of Ryan Mendes, who has scored two goals in the qualifiers, and captain Bebe, a steady leader on the pitch.
Another notable player is João Paulo, who will play a critical role in Cape Verde's attack. These players represent Cape Verde’s best chance of creating challenges for Egypt's defense.
Match Time and Venue
The game will be played at Cape Verde’s National Stadium on Friday at 6:00 p.m. Cairo time (3:00 p.m. Cape Verde time).
Key Absences for Egypt
Several Egyptian players will be absent, with Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mahmoud Trezeguet, and Marwan Atteya given rest, while injuries have sidelined Rami Rabia, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mohamed Hany, and Yasser Ibrahim.
A Chance for New Faces
Head coach Hossam Hassan is taking this opportunity to test new talents within the squad. Players like Ibrahim Adel, Mostafa Fathi, Ahmed Eid, and Hossam Abdelmagid are expected to make appearances, offering them valuable experience on the international stage.
Recent Encounters
The teams have already met twice in 2024. The first encounter ended in a 2-2 draw at AFCON, while Egypt emerged victorious with a commanding 3-0 scoreline in the first leg of these qualifiers in Cairo.
Expected Line-up
Head coach Hossam Hassan is expected to stick with his 5-3-2 formation for away games, with a probable lineup as follows:
Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy.
Defender: Hossam Abdelmagid, Hamdi Fathi, Ahmed Ramadan "Beckham," Mohamed Hamdy, Ahmed Eid.
Midfielder: Nabil Dunga, Mahmoud Saber.
Attack: Mostafa Mohamed, Ibrahim Adel, Mostafa Fathi.
Game Outlook
While Egypt has already qualified, Cape Verde is expected to fight hard, as they aim to keep their hopes of 2025 AFCON qualification alive. This match promises an intense battle, as Cape Verde will be pushing for a crucial win.
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