Egypt will host Mauritania at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday evening in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. The Pharaohs aim to maintain their perfect start, while Mauritania is looking for their second win of the campaign.
Match Preview
Egypt has been dominant in their AFCON qualifiers, with a 3-0 win over Cape Verde and a 4-0 victory against Botswana. In the last match, goals from Trezeguet (who scored a brace), Mohamed Salah, and Mostafa Fathi showcased their attacking prowess. Egypt sits comfortably at the top of Group C with six points and will look to continue their unbeaten streak in AFCON qualifiers.
Mauritania started their campaign with a 1-0 win over Botswana but suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cape Verde. They are currently third in the group with three points, hoping to upset Egypt to boost their qualification chances. Mauritania has struggled on the road, with their last away win dating back to June 2023.
Team News
- Egypt: Midfielder Mahmoud Saber has been called up to replace the injured Nabil Emad. Egypt’s attack is expected to feature Mohamed Salah, Ahmed Sayed, Mostafa Mohamed, and Omar Marmoush.
- Mauritania: Key players for Mauritania include AEK Athens winger Aboubakary Koita and former Fulham striker Aboubakar Kamara. Mamadou Sy is expected to lead the line once again.
Predicted Lineups
- Egypt: El Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Fathi, Hamdy; Trezeguet, Attia; Marmoush, Sayed, Salah; Mohamed
- Mauritania: Niasse; Diaw, L. Ba, Houeibib, Keita; Ngom; Amar, Ngom, Fofana, Moushine, Koita; Sy
Prediction
With a wealth of attacking talent and strong form in AFCON qualifiers, Egypt is expected to overpower Mauritania. The hosts have been clinical in front of goal, and Mauritania may find it difficult to cope with the attacking quality of players like Salah and Trezeguet. A comfortable home victory is likely, with a predicted scoreline of 3-0 or 4-0 in favor of Egypt.
