Cape Verde vs Egypt: Preview, Prediction and Odds
Egypt faces a crucial final match in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, squaring off against Cape Verde, who have already secured their spot in the last-16. Cape Verde have already claimed the top spot in the group by defeating both Ghana and Mozambique, causing concern for two AFCON giants who now face the possibility of an early exit.
The encounter between Cape Verde and Egypt is set for an 8 pm GMT kick-off on Monday, January 22, 2024. The match will be held at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.
Cape Verde vs Egypt Match Preview
In Group B of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, an intriguing scenario is unfolding after the second matchday. Cape Verde currently leads the table with an impressive 6 points, a noteworthy feat considering the presence of formidable teams such as Egypt and Ghana in the group. Cape Verde secured their spot in the next stage with a commendable 2-1 victory over Ghana on the opening day and a convincing 3-0 triumph against Mozambique.
Contrastingly, Egypt had a less-than-ideal start, rescuing their pride with a late penalty from Mo Salah during added time to secure a 2-2 draw against Mozambique. Their struggle continued in the second match, resulting in another 2-2 draw against Ghana. The upcoming contest against Cape Verde holds significant importance for Egypt’s qualification to the Round of 16, as a pair of draws have left them needing a positive result to at least qualify as the best third-placed team. This comes after Egypt reached the final in two of the past three tournaments.
However, Egypt’s hopes are dealt a blow with Mohamed Salah’s injury ahead of the crucial showdown in Abidjan. Meanwhile, in the other Group B finale, Ghana faces Mozambique, both sitting on a single point and one behind Egypt in the standings.
Despite Cape Verde’s lower FIFA rankings, they have managed to lose only two out of their last five matches. In contrast, Egypt has lost only one of their past 10 matches, remaining unbeaten in the last seven. Cape Verde enters the decisive match having won both of their AFCON matches, adding to the anticipation and stakes of this captivating group showdown.
Also Read: Guinea vs Senegal: Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
Team News
As Cape Verde prepares to build on their recent triumph over Mozambique, Coach Bubista anticipates fielding the same starting lineup that secured success in the previous matches. Former Manchester United forward Bebe, who scored the opening goal, is expected to play a pivotal role once again. The team is hopeful of avoiding any fresh injury concerns following their weekend victory.
Meanwhile, Egypt faces a setback as Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been ruled out for two games due to a hamstring injury sustained in their draw against Ghana. This absence presents an opportunity for Trezeguet to potentially rejoin the starting lineup after being dropped in the previous outing. Manager Rui Vitoria is poised to assemble his strongest lineup without Salah, aiming to make a resounding statement in the crucial final group stage match.
As both teams navigate these lineup adjustments, the Cape Verde squad, known for its collective effort, is likely to stick with the winning combination that surprised Ghana in the first matchday and secured victory against Mozambique in the second matchday. The absence of injury updates suggests continuity in the starting XI as they strive for consistency in their performances.
The stage is set for an intriguing clash between Cape Verde and Egypt, with one team seeking a positive outcome to progress further in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Predicted Lineups
Cape Verde predicted lineup (4-3-3):
Vozinha; Moreira, Costa, Lopes, Fernandes; Duarte, Pina, Monteiro; Mendes, Bebe, Cabral
Egypt Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
El Shenawy; Sharaf, Hegazy, Abdelmonem, Kamal; Fathi, Elneny; M. Fathi, Ashour, Marmoush; Mohamed
Head-to-Head
The upcoming match between Cape Verde and Egypt marks the first-ever competitive meeting between these two sides. As they square off in this crucial encounter, the absence of prior matchups adds an extra layer of anticipation to this encounter, making it a significant moment in their footballing history.
Prediction
The highly anticipated clash between Cape Verde and Egypt in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is expected to be an intriguing contest. Egypt, boasting a strong footballing history, brings considerable skill and experience to the pitch. On the other hand, Cape Verde, the underdogs this season, have defied expectations by securing the top spot in a challenging group that includes football powerhouses like Ghana and Egypt. This accomplishment highlights their determination and capability on the field.
As both teams prepare to face off, the prediction is a closely contested match, with a final scoreline of Cape Verde 2-2 Egypt. The anticipation is high, and fans can expect an exciting battle as these two teams make their mark in this historic encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Prediction: Cape Verde 2-2 Egypt.
Betting Tips
- Tip 1: Game to have expected goals – 2.5+
- Tip 2: Egypt to score first – yes
- Tip 3 Both Teams to score.
Odds
- The highest odds on Egypt are currently 2/5 by Betfair
- The highest odds on the Draw are currently 16/5 by Betfair
- The highest odds on Ghana are currently 15/2 by Betfair.
Cape Verde vs Egypt: Where to watch
Here are the broadcasting channels/platforms for viewers in specific regions to watch the live telecast of the Cape Verde vs Egypt match:
India: FanCode
United Kingdom (UK): Sky Sports
United States (US): beIN Sports
Nigeria: NTA
Egypt: SABC
Ghana: NTA
For subscribers, the live stream of the Cape Verde vs Egypt contest is available online through the Sky Go app. This offers an additional option for viewers to catch the match in real time using the streaming service provided by Sky. Ensure that you have a valid subscription and access to the Sky Go app to enjoy the live-streaming experience of the game.
Please be aware that broadcast details are subject to change, and it’s recommended to check local listings or official sources for the most up-to-date information on where to watch the match.