Egypt vs Mozambique Preview & Prediction | 2023 Africa Cup of Nations | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Egypt vs Mozambique on and what time does it start? Egypt vs Mozambique will take place on Sunday 14th January, 2024 – 17:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Egypt vs Mozambique? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Egypt vs Mozambique on in the UK? Egypt vs Mozambique will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Egypt vs Mozambique in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Egypt vs Mozambique live on Sky GO
THE LOWDOWN
EGYPT
Seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions Egypt are always expected to be there come the business end of the tournament and following a gruelling final against Senegal two years ago, Mohamed Salah and his teammates were denied an eighth title in the cruellest of fashions, via a penalty shootout. Salah is yet to cement his legacy at Egypt with a major trophy and at 31-year-old, this represents a huge opportunity for the Pharaohs captain.
Trezeguet is also likely to have a big part to play offensively, in what is a squad packed full of experienced faces as head coach Rui Vitoria aims to draw on such knowledge to help guide them to the latter stages of the competition once again. Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny and 32-year-old Ahmed Hegazy also feature
MOZAMBIQUE
Mozambique have never gotten beyond the group stage in the Africa Cup of Nations and it’s this that they’ll be hoping to change here. They enter Group B as heavy outsiders though in a group that includes Egypt, Ghana and Cape Verde. However, just to have reached the tournament for the first time since 2010 has to be applauded.
Chiquinho Conde has been in charge of the Mozambique national team since 2021, replacing Horatio Goncalves. Whilst many of his squad play their club football in the Mozambique domestic system, a number of them compete in Portugal, giving their side a European flavour.
THE TEAM NEWS
EGYPT
Egypt will be without both defender Osama Galal and midfielder Ahmed Nabil Koka, each of whom have been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The Pharaohs have moved to replaced both with Mohanad Lasheen and Yasser Ibrahim, although neither are expected to start in this game. Rui Vitoria will need to choose who to lead the line between Mostafa Mohamed and Omar Marmoush.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Sobhy; Kamal, Hegazy, Abdelmonem, Fotouh; Elneny, Ashour, Fathi; Salah, Mohamed, Trezeguet
UNAVAILABLE: Galal (Injured), Koka (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
MOZAMBIQUE
Star player Reinildo Mandava has been a doubt for this tournament for the best part of almost a year after rupturing his ACL last February whilst playing for Atletico against Real Madrid. However, the defender made his return last year and should take his place within the Mozambique backline.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Siluane; Macandza, Mexer, Mandava, Langa; Guima, Nangy; Catamo, Domingues, Clesio; Ratifo
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
The heartbreak of two years ago will no doubt still be fresh in the mind of all those associated with Egypt, which can only drive them on heading into the tournament. With one of the best players on the planet in Salah leading the charge, Egypt’s attacking firepower makes them a formidable force to contend with and should see them comfortably get the better of Mozambique, who surely won’t be able to match the Pharaohs across the pitch. Therefore, back an Egypt victory by at least two clear goals.
TIP: EGYPT TO WIN WITH -1 HANDICAP
