Egypt will welcome Cape Verde to the Cairo International Stadium on Friday as both teams kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Pharaohs will be looking to make it past the round of 16 after their last edition in Ivory Coast, where they lost via penalties to DR Congo. On the other side, the Blue Sharks will be aiming to qualify for their third consecutive AFCON after reaching the quarterfinal in the last edition.
Both teams met for the first time during the AFCON 2023 group stage, with the game ending in a dramatic 2-2 draw that saw each team score a goal in stoppage time. This encounter will be a test for both teams as they aim to make their mark in the competition.
Egypt's Journey to AFCON Qualification
The most successful team in the Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt, will begin their journey to another edition of the competition, looking to appear for the 27th time. The Pharaohs have a rich history in the tournament, having won the competition seven times, including their last triumph in 2010. Under the leadership of record scorer Hossam Hassan, the team will be aiming to replicate their seamless qualifying campaign for the last edition, having won five and losing just one of six matches.
A Strong Start in World Cup Qualifiers
Egypt were in competitive action during the last international window in June, beating Burkina Faso 2-1 before a 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau in World Cup qualifying matches, leaving them in pole position in their group. Hassan will hope his side can replicate their form in the World Cup qualifiers as they kick off the AFCON qualifiers. The Pharaohs have three wins and a draw in four World Cup qualifying matches, demonstrating their strong form.
Cape Verde's Ambition for AFCON Glory
The potential of appearing in three consecutive AFCONs for the first time in history will be too good for Cape Verde to pass up on, making this a stern test for the hosts. The Blue Sharks performed admirably in the last AFCON, reaching the quarterfinal where they lost to South Africa via penalties after a goalless draw. This performance extended beyond the competition, having won three of their four matches since then including a 1-0 victory over Libya last time out in a World Cup qualifying match.
A Tough Test Awaits
It will be a huge test for Bubista's men who have struggled for consistency on the road during qualification matches. Their recent away wins have been against Eswatini, while losing to Cameroon and Togo. Cape Verde will be counting on their disciplined defence once again, as the Blue Sharks barely concede goals. The four goals conceded away to Cameroon is an exception for the visitors who have kept five clean sheets in their last six matches across all competitions.
Key Players to Watch Out For
The encounter promises a high-octane clash, with both sides boasting talented players. Egypt will be relying on the experience of Mohamed Salah, who will be aiming to score in consecutive matches after netting the only goal against Guinea-Bissau. The Liverpool star is a crucial figure for the Pharaohs and his performance could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the match.
Cape Verde's Attacking Quartet
Cape Verde are likely to retain their attacking quartet of Jovane Cabral, Bebe, Joao Monteiro, and Ryan Mendes for this encounter. These players have been instrumental in the team's recent success and will be looking to make their mark on the match.
The Importance of the Match
Both Egypt and Cape Verde are determined to start their AFCON qualifying campaign on a winning note. The Pharaohs have a rich history in the tournament and will be looking to maintain their dominance. However, Cape Verde are a formidable opponent who have proven their ability to compete at the highest level. This match promises to be a tense and exciting encounter, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory.
Predictions for the Match
Egypt are seasonal performers when it comes to the AFCON qualifiers, losing just one of the last 12 AFCON qualifying matches, making them favorites in this clash. Cape Verde have a solid defense and are now a force in African football. However, they have found it difficult to pick up results on the road against top oppositions, which is why we think the hosts will win this one.
A Clash of African Titans
The match between Egypt and Cape Verde is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams aiming to secure a victory in their opening AFCON qualifier. The Pharaohs will be looking to maintain their dominant form, while the Blue Sharks will be aiming to prove their worth on the international stage. This clash of African titans will be a must-watch for football fans across the continent.
