Egypt v Zimbabwe preview
Egypt start their pursuit of a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title once they face Zimbabwe in Group B’s opening fixture at Adrar Stadium on Monday.
Hossam Hassan’s aspect arrive as one of many pre-tournament favourites, whereas Zimbabwe head into the competitors underneath new management following the appointment of Mario Marinica.
Since lifting their seventh AFCON trophy in Luanda in 2010, Egypt have repeatedly come near including to their unparalleled haul however have fallen quick on the last hurdle.
The Pharaohs had been crushed finalists in each 2017 and 2021, dropping to Cameroon and Senegal respectively, regardless of taking the lead within the former and surviving an early scare from the penalty spot within the latter.
Now underneath the steering of three-time AFCON winner Hassan, Egypt as soon as once more shoulder the expectations that include being the continent’s most profitable nation, notably with the match going down in North Africa.
A lot of the focus will fall on Mohamed Salah, who’s contesting his fifth AFCON and third as captain, conscious that this version might characterize his last alternative to assert continental glory together with his nation.
The Liverpool ahead was a part of the squads that reached the finals in 2017 and 2021 and can be desirous to lastly get his fingers on the trophy and cement his legacy in African soccer.
Nonetheless, Egypt should guard in opposition to complacency in opposition to a Zimbabwe aspect present process change following Marinica’s latest arrival.
The Warriors’ managerial swap might inject contemporary concepts, but it surely might additionally expose inexperience at match stage, with this being simply their sixth AFCON look.
Egypt v Zimbabwe staff information
Trezeguet outscored Salah throughout qualifying, netting 4 instances, and the winger is anticipated to play a outstanding function within the last third.
Hassan should resolve between Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed to steer the road, with the latter having a formidable AFCON pedigree after scoring 4 targets on the earlier match.
Veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy is about to characteristic, with the 37-year-old probably contesting his last Africa Cup of Nations after a profession that has included a number of continental titles at membership stage with Al Ahly.
Zimbabwe are with out Walter Musona, who scored twice in qualifying, however captain Data Musona is included and is anticipated to characteristic prominently.
The skilled ahead, who has 26 worldwide targets, ought to begin alongside Marvelous Nakamba in midfield, with Prince Dube and Tawanda Chirewa providing attacking assist.
Egypt v Zimbabwe predicted lineups
Egypt beginning XI: El Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hamdi; Fathy, Ateya, Zizo; Salah, Mohamed, Trezeguet
Zimbabwe beginning XI: Chipezeze; Murwira, Garananga, Hadebe, Lunga; Nakamba, Fabisch, Musona; Chirewa, Dube, Maswanhise
How one can watch Egypt v Zimbabwe: TV channel, reside on-line stream
Kick-off on Monday is at 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). Within the UK, reside AFCON 2025 protection is on Channel 4. Within the USA, beIN Sports activities is the match broadcaster.
On-line reside streaming is out there on an unlimited vary of units by means of Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports activities app.
Egypt v Zimbabwe stats
- Egypt are seven-time Africa Cup of Nations winners.
- Egypt have reached two AFCON finals since 2017
- Mohamed Salah is showing at his fifth AFCON match
- Zimbabwe have gained three matches throughout all AFCON appearances
- Two of Zimbabwe’s six qualifying targets got here from penalties
- Zimbabwe have saved three clear sheets in AFCON 2025 qualifying
