2023 AFCON: Egypt v DR Congo preview

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Jan 27, 2024. 14:31

Egypt will be going head to head with DR Congo in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at Stade Laurent Pokou on Sunday evening.

Date: 28 January 2024

Kick-off: 22h00 CAT

Head-to-head: Egypt have a superb record against DR Congo and this will be their ninth meeting. Egypt have won six of the fixtures they have already played and have played two draws against the Central-African side.

Egypt last three results: Egypt have drawn all three of their group stage matches in the AFCON with a 2-2 scoreline. The Pharaohs faced Mozambique, Ghana and Cape Verde in their group stage encounters and will be looking to cruise through this one to make it to the quarter-final.

DR Congo last three results: Congo have suffered the same fate as Egypt in their group stage matches, drawing all three fixtures. DR Congo have faced Zambia and Morocco whom they played to a 1-1 draw against. Their final group stage fixture was against Tanzania, which produced a goalless stalemate.

Team news: Along with Mohamed Salah’s absence, Egyptian midfielder Emam Ashour was ruled out of this match on Wednesday after suffering a concussion while attempting an overhead kick in training.

Mohamed El-Shennawy, the Pharaohs goalkeeper is also out of action after suffering an injury in the dramatic group finale against Cape Verde.

Mohamed Abou Gabal came on as a substitute and should start in this crucial match, with Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet potentially returning after his goal as a substitute the previous game.

Key player – Egypt: Trezeguet will be a crucial member of Egypt’s team, especially with Mo Salah being ruled out in terms of providing more options in the attack for the Pharaohs.

Key player – DR Congo: Yoane Wissa has scored once in his three matches at the AFCON and will be hoping to add to his tally in order to give his nation the push needed to make it into the quarter-finals.