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 below 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 remaining 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 below 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 event going down in North Africa.
A lot of the concentration is going to fall on Mohamed Salah, who’s contesting his fifth AFCON and third as captain, conscious that this version may signify his remaining alternative to assert continental glory along with his nation.
The Liverpool ahead was a part of the squads that reached the finals in 2017 and 2021 and will probably be wanting to lastly get his palms on the trophy and cement his legacy in African soccer.
Nevertheless, Egypt should guard towards complacency towards a Zimbabwe aspect present process change following Marinica’s latest arrival.
The Warriors’ managerial swap may inject contemporary concepts, but it surely may additionally expose inexperience at event degree, with this being simply their sixth AFCON look.
Egypt v Zimbabwe workforce information
Trezeguet outscored Salah throughout qualifying, netting 4 instances, and the winger is anticipated to play a distinguished position within the remaining third.
Hassan should resolve between Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed to guide the road, with the latter having a formidable AFCON pedigree after scoring 4 objectives on the earlier event.
Veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy is about to characteristic, with the 37-year-old doubtlessly contesting his remaining Africa Cup of Nations after a profession that has included a number of continental titles at membership degree 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 objectives, ought to begin alongside Marvelous Nakamba in midfield, with Prince Dube and Tawanda Chirewa providing attacking help.
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
The way to 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 event broadcaster.
On-line reside streaming is on the market on an unlimited vary of units by way 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 event
- Zimbabwe have received three matches throughout all AFCON appearances
- Two of Zimbabwe’s six qualifying objectives got here from penalties
- Zimbabwe have stored three clear sheets in AFCON 2025 qualifying
