2023 AFCON: Cape Verde v Egypt preview

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Jan 21, 2024. 16:14

With Mohamed Salah out with injury, Egypt will have to produce the goods without their main man when they tackle Cape Verde in their final Group B encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Date: Monday, 22 January 2024

Kick-off: 22h00 (CAT)

Head-to-head: Egypt and Cape Verde will do battle for the first time on Monday night.

Current form:  Cape Verde head into their final Group stage match on the back of a 3-0 win over Mozambique on Friday, 19 January, while the Blue Sharks also bagged a 2-1 victory against Ghana in their tournament opener. As for Egypt, the Pharaohs recorded two consecutive 2-2 stalemates against Mozambique and Ghana respectively.

Team news: According to the Egyptian FA, Salah will be out for two matches at competition after picking up a hamstring injury in their tie against Ghana.

Cape Verde have no new injury concerns and have the luxury of shuffling their pack for the upcoming game after qualifying for the Round of 16 last time out.

Key players

Cape Verde: Bebe – The skilful winger has been a game winner for Cape Verde in recent times, while  boasting dead ball qualities that could come in handy against a well-organized Egypt outfit.

Egypt: Mohamed Elneny –Now an experienced campaigner for Egypt, the Arsenal midfielder will be tasked to lead the team in Mohamed Salah’s absence.