2024 AFCON: Egypt v Mozambique preview

by Thando Mpembe

Saturday Jan 13, 2024. 13:30

Former finalists Egypt will take on Mozambique in their Group B 2024 Africa Cup of Nations opener at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Sunday.

Date: Sunday 14 January 2024

Kick-off: 19h00 (CAT)

Head-to-head: Egypt and Mozambique have met on four occasions in the past, with the Pharaohs claiming four victories in all competitions.

Egypt’s last three results: Rui Vitoria’s bagged three consecutive wins heading into the keenly anticipated AFCON tournament. Their last three results include wins over Djibouti and Sierra Leone in Africa World Cup qualifiers before rounding off their preparation with a 2-0 win against Tanzania on the 7^th of January.

Mozambique’s last three results: Chiquinho Conde and his charges recorded a win, loss and defeat in their last three games across the board. As preparation for the AFCON, Os Mambas recorded a 2-0 win over Lesotho, followed by a 1-1 stalemate with Botswana in back-to-back friendlies earlier this month.

Team news: Both Egypt and Mozambique reported no injury worries leading up to their opener and are expected to field their strongest XI’s this weekend.

Key players:

Egypt: Mohamed Salah – With 18 goals and nine assists to his name in 27 club games this season, Salah has returned to his best form shortly before the upcoming tournament. Salah could well be utilized in a new position according to Vitoria, which could potentially unlock a new version of the prolific goal scorer.

Mozambique: Clesio Bauque – Bauque was one of Os Mambas’ best players last year and was the joint top-scorer with Geny Catamo (2) during their qualifying campaign. It’s been reported that Both players could play a big part against the Pharaohs on Sunday.