AFCON 2023: Cape Verde Vs. Egypt preview

By Ngome Michael

Cape Verde’s uninterrupted start to 2023 AFCON campaign goes head to head with seven times champions and favorites Egypt in dire need of victory against an already group A leaders in the Blue Shakes

The Island nation got off to an agressive charge against Ghana securing a 2-1 win before making light works of Mozambique to advance from the group stage for a third time but, only for the first time as group heads.

Facing Egypt promises to be an entirely different case giving Rui Vitoria’s side is still to confirm their spot in the next round. The North Africans came from behind twice to level a Mohamed Kudus brace in what was consecutive draws having played out with Mozambique on same scoreline.

To make matters worse, the pharoahs will be without Mohammed Salah withdrawn against Ghana due to a posterior muscle injury. It confirmed he will miss this game and the Round-16 should they advance.

About Salah being missed in this encounter, goes two ways. The Liverpool man is credited to be involved in 61% of Egypt’s goals at the Cup of Nations since 2017, scoring eleven and assisting four. However, the display put up against Ghana without the maskman tells the side can stand up to Cape Verde.

Omar Marmoush and Mastafa Mohamed scorers against Ghana can shoulder ther burden against a Cape Verde already aware cannot be knocked out of top spot. Mastafa with two goals in opening two matches stand a chance of becoming the first Egyptian to score in all three group matches.

Complacancy on the part of Cape Verde will be greatly welcomed by the Egyptians.

This will be the first ever official meeting between Egypt and Cape Verde with the Islanders only facing North African opponents at the AFCON only twice, Morocco in 2013 and Tunisia in 2015 both ending in 1-1 draws.