Three points will be up for grabs as Cape Verde and Egypt clash at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024). Can the Pharaohs book a place in the knockout stages, or will it be business as usual for Cape Verde?
Cape Verde vs Egypt overview
This Group B match will be played at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Monday January 22. Kick-off time is 9 pm WAT.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde have probably been the most impressive team at the Nations Cup so far. They became the first team to reach the knockout stages in a group with seven-time AFCON champions Egypt and four-time champions Ghana.
As a matter of fact, Bubista's men have a four-point lead at the top of the table with one game left to play. This means they'll finish as group leaders irrespective of the outcome of this match.
Egypt
On the other hand, Egypt have had a disappointing AFCON campaign. They are coming off back-to-back 2-2 draws against Ghana and Mozambique.
The worst part is, Rui Vitoria's men had to come from behind to salvage a point on both occasions. While it's possible to secure a place in the round of 16 with a draw, the Pharaohs will set their sights on claiming all three points.
Cape Verde vs Egypt head to head
Unlike most of the match-ups in this year's edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, two teams will be meeting for the first time in history at this tournament. Cape Verde and Egypt have previously never met.
Cape Verde vs Egypt potential lineups
Bubista will likely use a 4-3-3 formation, with Vozinha starting between the sticks. The AS Trencin shot-stopper kept three clean sheets in his last four appearances for Cape Verde.
On the other hand, Rui Vitoria may have to do without Mohamed Salah, as the Liverpool player is questionable for this game.
The Pharaohs are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mostafa Mohamed being the lone forward. The Nantes player scored in Egypt's first two matches at this competition.
With that in mind, these are our probable Cape Verde vs Egypt lineups:
Cape Verde
Goalkeeper: Vozinha.
Defenders: Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Roberto
Lopes, João Paulo.
Midfielders: Deroy Duarte, Kevin Piña, Jamiro
Monteiro.
Forwards: Ryan Mendes, Willy Semedo, Jovane
Cabral.
Egypt
Goalkeeper: Mohamed El-Shenawy.
Defenders: Mohamed Hamdi, Mohamed Abdelmonem,
Ahmed Hegazy, Omar Kamal.
Midfielders: Hamdi Fathi, Mohamed Elneny, Omar
Marmoush, Emam Ashour, Mostafa Fathy.
Forwards: Mostafa Mohamed.
Cape Verde vs Egypt tactical analysis
Cape Verde are coming off back-to-back wins, which is as many victories as they had in eight games leading up to this tournament.
Bubista's side have scored five times, conceding just once. The outcome of this game will have no impact on the team's standings, so some of the starters might be rested for the knockout stages.
To be fair, Egypt are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run. However, their form has gotten gradually worse recently. They've drawn back-to-back games after winning three in a row.
Vitoria will look to guide his team to their first win of the tournament as they aim for a record eighth AFCON title.
Cape Verde vs Egypt prediction
What we do know for sure is, these teams have scored plenty of goals in this competition.
The Pharaohs have scored four times whilst conceding the same amount of goals. Likewise Cape Verde found the back of the net on five occasions in just two group games.
On that note, we are fairly confident that both teams will get on the scoresheet.
Where to watch Cape Verde vs Egypt live
Canal+, AfroSport TV and Supersport will broadcast this match for fans who live in Cape Verde.
Those who reside in Egypt can tune into OnTime Sports and beIN Sports for live coverage of this game.
