Egypt target first-ever Cape Verde win

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday Sep 05, 2024. 15:00

Egypt will lock horns with Cape Verde in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Friday.

Kick-off is at 9:00 pm CAT.

The Group C encounter is scheduled to be played at the iconic Cairo International Stadium in the capital city of Egypt, Cairo.

The Pharaohs fought back to draw 1-1 with Guinea-Bissau in their last match which was the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played in Bissau on 10 June.

Therefore, Egypt are undefeated in their last two matches across all competitions having registered one draw and one victory which came against Burkina Faso.

“Our group is strong, but we are fully prepared for the AFCON qualifiers, aiming to secure the title,” Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan said about their 2025 AFCON qualifying group.

“The group features strong teams, but we’ll be prepared. The players and I are always focused on winning and achieving trophies.”

Meanwhile, Cape Verde emerged as 1-0 winners over Libya in their last game which was the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played in Paria on 11 June.

As a result, the Blue Sharks have won two of their last three matches across all competitions while the other game ended in a defeat to Cameroon.

“Midfielder Yannick Semedo has been called up for the national team’s training camp,” a Cape Verdean Football Federation statement read.

“Yannick, from FC Vizela, has been called up to fill the absence of midfielder Diogo Mendes who will not be able to play for the national team due to an injury sustained while playing for his club.”

Egypt and Cape Verde have met once across all competitions and their only encounter ended in a 2-2 draw in the 2023 AFCON Group B match in Ivory Coast on 22 January.