Egypt vs Angola AFCON Qualifier Preview
Egypt will be looking for a fast start when they host Angola in their opening Group B fixture in the AFCON qualifiers.
The Pharaohs have a knack for getting out of the blocks early and can be backed to lead at the break.
Key Stats
Egypt have led at the break in three of their last five matches in all competitions.
Egypt are unbeaten in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Angola are winless in four of their last five matches in all competitions.
Angola have failed to score a first-half goal in two of their last three matches in all competitions.
Egypt on Top
Egypt have never lost in this fixture, picking up four wins and playing out as many draws in eight previous matches. The most recent meeting was a group stage clash in the last AFCON, with both teams battling to a 0-0 draw.
Egypt to Settle Quickly
Egypt are frequent participants at the AFCON and are the record winners of the tournament, with seven titles. They usually breeze through the qualifiers and will be hoping for a similar campaign this time around.
The Pharaohs are coming off a fine showing at the FIFA World Cup where they reached the round of 16 before suffering a 3-2 defeat to Argentina. Their overall form has also been solid, having gone unbeaten in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions.
The Egyptians have a knack for making fast starts and seem to settle early in matches. Hossam Hassan’s team have led at the break in three of their last five matches in all competitions.
Angola Slightly out of Sorts
Angola make regular appearances at the AFCON and have played in three of the last four tournaments. Qualifying is usually smooth for the Southern African side, and they will be hoping for a similar outcome this time around.
The Palancas Negras come into this clash off the back of a 3-0 victory over the Central African Republic in a friendly back in June. However, that was a rare victory for Aliou Cisse’s team, who were winless in their previous five matches.
One of the issues for Angola is that they seem to take a while to get going. They have not had a halftime lead in four of their last five matches in all competitions while also failing to score a first-half goal in two of the last three fixtures.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Egypt (4-4-2): Mohamed El Shenawy; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Ramy Rabia, Karim Hafez; Mohanad Lasheen, Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour, Hassiem Hassan; Mostafa Ziko, Mohamed Salah.
Egypt have named a squad similar to the one that played at the World Cup in June. Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Ziko should feature in attack while Yasser Ibrahim is expected to partner Ramy Rabia at the back.
Angola (4-3-3): Neblu; Marsoni Sambu, Kialonda Gaspar, David Carmo, Nurio Fortuna; Show, Beni Mukendi, Randy Nteka; Chico Banza, Mabululu, Zito Luvumbo.
Kialonda Gaspar and David Carmo have a great understanding at centre-back and should continue their partnership for Angola. Randy Nteka is set to line up in midfield while Zito Luvumbo should feature in attack.