Cape Verde will be desperate to keep their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes alive when they host Egypt at the Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Friday.
With only two matches remaining in Group A, the Blue Sharks need a victory to stay in the race, especially after a shocking 1-0 aggregate loss to Botswana last month. Currently sitting in third place, Cape Verde faces an uphill battle to qualify for a third consecutive AFCON tournament.
The Blue Sharks’ recent form has been concerning, with three defeats in their first four matches and a string of disappointing results across all competitions. They will have to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Egypt in September if they are to secure all three points in this crucial clash. Cape Verde’s hopes rest on their ability to claim victories in their remaining fixtures against Egypt and Mauritania, but a slip-up here would all but end their chances of qualification.
Meanwhile, Egypt, led by manager Hossam Hassan, has already secured their place in the 2025 AFCON after winning all four of their qualifying matches. The Pharaohs have been in excellent form, winning their last eight AFCON qualifiers, and they are one of the three teams yet to concede a goal in the ongoing campaign. Despite not having star player Mohamed Salah in the squad, Egypt has continued to impress, with in-form Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush expected to lead the attack.
The Pharaohs’ strong defense and clinical attack have seen them win their last four qualifiers, scoring 10 goals and keeping a perfect defensive record. Having finished as runners-up in two of the last four AFCON editions, Egypt is eager to build momentum ahead of the tournament in Morocco and end their 14-year wait for another continental title.
Team News:
Cape Verde will rely on forward Ryan Mendes, who has scored both of the country’s goals in this qualifying campaign, to spearhead their attack. The team will also count on the experience of Bebe and Dailon Livramento to stabilize their performance, while Gilson Tavares and Helio Varela hope to make a return to the starting lineup.
For Egypt, Mohamed Salah has opted out of the qualifiers, leaving Omar Marmoush to lead the charge up front. The Pharaohs will miss the services of key players Mohamed Abdelmonem and Ahmed Sayed Zizo, both of whom are injured, but with their depth and strong squad, Egypt will still be a formidable opponent. Al Ahly’s defensive trio of Rami Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, and Mohamed Hany will also be absent due to injury concerns, but Egypt’s defensive solidity remains a strength.
Possible Lineups:
Cape Verde: B. Varela; Pina, Costa, Lopes; Monteiro, Duarte, Lenini; Mendes, Tavares, H. Varela
Egypt: El-Shenawy; Eid, Abdelmaguid, Ramadan, Hamdi; Attia, Fathi; Fathy, Zizo, Adel; Marmoush
While Cape Verde will be more motivated due to their need for points, Egypt’s quality, despite the absence of Salah, makes them the favorites. The Pharaohs have been dominant in the qualifiers, and even with a rotated squad, they are likely to earn at least a draw. However, Cape Verde will push hard, knowing this is a must-win encounter to keep their qualification dreams alive. Expect a spirited performance from the Blue Sharks, but Egypt’s consistency should see them extend their unbeaten run.
