Egypt's Unbeaten Run Continues: Can Cape Verde Stop the Pharaohs' Dominance?

Cape Verde will hope to keep their dreams of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations alive when they host Egypt at Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Friday. The Blue Sharks lost to Egypt in their opening game, leaving them with three defeats from four matches and in third place, only ahead of bottom-placed Mauritania due to a superior goal difference.

Meanwhile, the visitors have already secured their place at next year's tournament in Morocco having won all four qualifying matches so far, and mathematically cannot finish below second place. The Pharaohs have been on a roll in the qualifiers, boasting a 100% win record, and they will be looking to maintain their dominance against a struggling Cape Verde side.

Cape Verde's Fight for Survival

Cape Verde's hopes of reaching the AFCON for a third consecutive edition are hanging by a thread. They were shocked by Botswana last month, losing 1-0 on aggregate across both legs of their AFCON qualifying double-header, sending them back down to earth after the win over Mauritania in their second match. This setback highlighted the team's inconsistency and put immense pressure on them to secure positive results in their remaining matches.

Bubista's men will now have to win their last two matches against Egypt and Mauritania if they want to have any chance of reaching the AFCON. They face a daunting task against an Egypt side that has been in formidable form. Cape Verde head into Friday's clash on a run of five defeats in their last seven matches across all competitions, including a 3-0 loss against Egypt in September.

Egypt's Unstoppable Momentum

Egypt's qualification for the 2025 AFCON was confirmed after their dominant display in the qualifiers. Having finished as runners-up in two of the last four editions of the competition, Egypt will hope to carry this form into the main tournament in a quest to end a 14-year wait for another AFCON title.

Hassan's side have won their last four games, scoring 10 goals and keeping four clean sheets in those matches, making them one of three sides alongside Nigeria and Congo DR that are yet to concede in the AFCON qualifiers. This defensive solidity coupled with their attacking prowess has made them a force to be reckoned with in the qualifiers.

Despite their impressive run, Egypt has been dealt a blow with the absence of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah. Just like last month, he has requested not to be involved in Egypt's qualifying matches for this month, and his wish has been granted by manager Hossam Hassan. The decision is quite understandable as the Pharaohs are one of the seven teams that have already clinched their ticket to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Key Players and Tactics

Cape Verde

Ryan Mendes has scored both of Cape Verde's goals in the AFCON qualifying so far, and he will be looking to regain his starting spot for this match. Gilson Tavares and Gent striker Helio Varela will also hope to force their way back into the side, but former Manchester United forward Bebe and Dailon Livramento will be hoping to retain their places.

Egypt

For Egypt, Salah has been omitted from the squad at his own request, leaving in-form Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush to lead the line, while Mohamed Abdelmonem is injured, as is Zamalek star Ahmed Sayed Zizo. Al Ahly's trio of Rami Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, and Mohamed Hany, and Al Masry defender Khaled Sobhi, are also sidelined with injuries, while Mohamed Rabia has been called up for the first time.

Prediction and Analysis

Cape Verde will be more motivated for this clash due to what is at stake for them compared to Egypt, who have already sealed their place at the AFCON – however, we believe that the visitors will still show enough to earn at least a draw. Egypt's superior experience, squad depth, and recent form make them the favorites to win this match. However, Cape Verde will be eager to upset the odds and will fight hard to secure a victory.

A Look Ahead

Both teams will be looking to build momentum for the upcoming AFCON tournament. Cape Verde will be hoping to use this match as a springboard to improve their performance in the qualifiers, while Egypt will be looking to continue their impressive form and go into the tournament with confidence. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter with both teams aiming to secure a positive result.