MX23RW : Friday, December 13 06:14:10| >> :600:611709:611709:

Preview: Kenya vs. Egypt - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Thursday's African Cup of Nations qualification clash between Kenya and Egypt, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Egypt will look to confirm their qualification for the African Cup of Nations of Thursday, when they travel to Kasarani to take on Kenya.

The Pharaohs currently top their qualifying group with eight points from four games, while Kenya sit third having picked up just three points.


Match preview

Egypt manager Hossam El Badry pictured in November 2019© Reuters

In their last qualification game, Kenya suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Comoros, as Masoud Juma's equaliser for Kenya was followed by a Faiz Mattoir winner to seal all three points for the hosts.

However, the Harambee Stars have since recorded two victories in friendly games, firstly defeating South Sudan 1-0 at home thanks to a late Elvis Rupia goal.

Most recently, Kenya were fired to a 2-1 home victory over Tanzania by goals from Erick Kapaito and Hassan Abdallah.

Jacob Mulle will be hoping that his side can continue that improved form on their return to competitive action on Wednesday, as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

However, that will be very difficult as they play host to an Egypt side who look set to cruise through qualification and top the group.

The Pharaohs strengthened their qualification bid in November, as they defeated Togo in consecutive games.

Firstly, Mahmoud Hamdi netted a crucial winner in a 1-0 victory at the Cairo International Stadium.

They then recorded a 3-1 away victory three days later, as Mohamed Magdy, Mohamed Sherif and Trezeguet all found the net before Josue Doke scored a consolation goal for Togo in added time.

Hossam El Badry's side will be looking to confirm their qualification on Wednesday, as they go in search of an eighth African Cup of Nations win, with no side matching the seven trophies that they have already picked up since 1957.

Kenya African Cup of Nations qualification form:
  • D
  • D
  • D
  • L

Kenya form (all competitions):
  • W
  • W
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • W

Egypt African Cup of Nations qualification form:
  • D
  • D
  • W
  • W

Egypt form (all competitions):
  • W
  • W
  • D
  • D
  • W
  • W


Team News

Egypt players celebrate after Ahmed Yasser Rayan scores their second goal in November 2020© Reuters

One notable member of the Kenya squad for this game is Cliff Nyakeya, who plays his club football for ZED FC in the Egyptian second tier.

Their two European exports, Joseph Okomu and Eric Ouma, could feature in defence for Kenya, with both playing in Sweden with IF Elsborg and AIK respectively.

The experienced David Owino could be handed his 68th Kenya cap in this game, with no other player in the squad matching his longevity for the national team.

Erick Kapaito could lead the line for Mulle's men, having netted a crucial goal last time out.

Egypt's attack will be led by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, who has 43 international goals in 68 appearances, while also netting 17 Premier League goals so far this campaign.

He will be supported by the wide threat of Trezeguet, who has struggled for minutes in an improved Aston Villa side this season, but remains a real threat going forward.

Meanwhile, the defence will be shielded by Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who will be handed his 80th Egypt cap on Wednesday.

Kenya possible starting lineup:
Otieno; Okomu, Ouma, Owino, Badi; Abdallah, Otieno, Muguna, Kimani; Kapaito, Rupia

Egypt possible starting lineup:
El Shenawy; Mansour, Hegazi, Gabr, Ashraf; Trezeguet, Elneny, Hamed, El Solia; Salah, Sherif


SM words green background

We say: Kenya 0-3 Egypt

With their superior collection of talent, the Pharaohs should cruise to victory over Kenya on Thursday.

The attacking firepower of Salah, supported by the likes of Trezeguet and Mohamed Sherif, should fire them to a comfortable victory over Kenya.


ID:440482:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect8727:
Written by
Sam Varley

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their first goal on February 16, 2021
Read Next:
Salah called up by Egypt despite coronavirus concerns
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!