Egypt vs Malawi Women WAFCON Preview
Malawi are aiming to build on an impressive opening victory when they battle Egypt in their second Group C fixture at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
With the North Africans keen to bounce back from defeat, both teams are likely to be up for this one and could serve up an open encounter.
Key Stats
- Egypt have scored in six of their last eight matches in all competitions.
- Egypt have conceded in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Malawi have scored in five of their last eight matches in all competitions.
- Malawi have conceded in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
No Previous Meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Egypt and Malawi at this level.
Disappointing Start for Egypt
Egypt endured a disappointing start to their Group C campaign, falling to a 6-0 defeat to Zambia. They failed to capitalize on their few chances and were constantly carved open at the back.
Manager Mohamed Kamal will be looking to bounce back immediately as their overall form has been decent lately. Egypt are unbeaten in five of their last seven matches in all competitions.
As evidenced by the defeat to Zambia, Egypt are often shaky at the back and have conceded in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, there is some quality in attack, and they have scored in six of the last eight fixtures in this run.
A Stunning Opener for Malawi
Malawi kicked off their WAFCON campaign in fine style, claiming a 3-2 victory over defending champions Nigeria. They were the better side throughout the contest, with a brace from Temwa Chawinga and a Tabitha Chawinga effort earning them the win.
The result is all the more impressive as they had been on a six-match winless run, with five defeats, heading into the tournament. The task for Lovemore Fazili’s team will be to build on that result and secure a knockout berth on their WAFCON debut.
Driven by the Chawinga sisters, Malawi are solid in attack and have scored in five of their last eight matches in all competitions. However, some improvement is needed defensively, having failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last 10 fixtures in all competitions.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Maha Shehata; Iman Hassan, Noura Khaled, Amira Mohamed, Christina Salama; Sarah Essam, Dana Nadda; Yassmin Zezo, Ali Mahira, Habiba Essam; Nadine Ghazi.
Thoraya Achraf went off injured for Egypt in the first half against Zambia and is likely to miss this clash. Hassan and Essam could earn a start after coming off the bench last time out, while Ghazi is expected to continue in attack.
Malawi (4-2-3-1): Mercy Sikelo; Benadetta Mkandawire, Rose Alufandika, Chimwemwe Madise, Ireen Khumalo; Madyina Nguluwe, Leticia Chinyamula; Rose Kadzere, Faith Chinzimu, Tabitha Chawinga; Temwa Chawinga.
Malawi came away from their opening fixture with no injuries or suspensions and should stick with the same team. The Chawinga sisters should continue in attack while Mkandawire and Alufandika are set to maintain their central defensive partnership.