Egypt will be looking to get their Africa Cup of Nations campaign up and running when they lock horns with Guinea-Bissau at the Roumde Adjia Stadium on Saturday.

The Pharaohs are currently rock bottom in Group D after their opening-day defeat at the hands of Nigeria, and will take the game as a must-win as more dropped points will be a huge blow to their qualification hopes.

Match preview

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Guinea-Bissau were denied a dream start to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign as they were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Sudan side last Tuesday.

The Djurtus came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 82nd minute when Pele stepped up to take his penalty, but 32-year-old goalkeeper Ali Abdullah Abou did brilliantly to deny the Monaco midfielder and force a share of the spoils.

This was a third consecutive goalless draw for Baciro Cande's men, who picked up three wins and lost three in six outings to finish runners-up to Senegal in Group I of the qualifiers.

Guinea-Bissau have now failed to taste victory or find the back of the net in any of their last five games in all competitions, dating back to a 4-2 victory over Sudan back in September.

While they will look to end this dry spell, next up is the daunting task of taking on an opposing side who are currently sixth in Africa and 45th in the world according to the latest FIFA World Rankings.

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Egypt, on the other hand, fell to a slender 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Super Eagles of Nigeria when the sides squared off in the Group opener last Tuesday.

After Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark, the 2013 champions put on an impressive defensive performance to keep Mohamed Salah and the Egyptian attack at bay and see out the win.

The Pharaohs have now lost each of their last three games in all competitions — their longest losing streak since 2018, when they lost four straight games, including three in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup.

Egypt, who are the most decorated nation on the continent with a record seven title wins, risk an early exit from the tournament should they suffer defeat on Saturday as they are currently rock bottom in Group D.

Team News

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Egypt put out a strong side in the game against Nigeria on Tuesday and we expect Carlos Queiroz to name a similar XI, with Liverpool star Salah leading the attack alongside Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed.

Despite being kept at bay by the Super Eagles' defenders, the 29-year-old is arguably the most threatening frontman in the tournament and he will be one to keep an eye out for.

However, the Egyptian will take to the pitch without the services of Akram Tawfik after the Al Ahly full-back came off injured just 11 minutes into the game again against Nigeria.

In his absence, Future FC defender Mohamed Abdelmoneim should slot in at right-back after a solid performance after coming on as a substitute.

Meanwhile, with their goalless draw against Sudan on Tuesday, Guinea-Bissau have now failed to find the target in five consecutive games and we expect Cande to make a few tactical changes in attack.

Mama Balde is currently on an eight-game goal drought for club and country, and the Troyes forward could drop to the substitutes' bench, with 24-year-old Steve Ambri pushing for a starting role.

Guinea-Bissau possible starting lineup:
Gomis; Cande, Mane, Sangante, Encada; Cassama, Nogueira, Pele; Piqueti, Mendy, Ambri

Egypt possible starting lineup:
El-Shennawy; Abdelmoneim, Hegazi, Hamdi, Fatouh; Fathi, El-Sulya, Elneny; Mohamed, Marmoush, Salah

We say: Guinea-Bissau 0-2 Egypt

Egypt risk a shock early exit from the tournament as they find themselves bottom in the group and without a point. However, looking at the gulf in quality between the two sides, we anticipate the Pharaohs will come away with all three points.

Written by
Joshua Ojele

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