Malawi will be looking to get their quest for a place in Ivory Coast back on track when they play host to Egypt in the second of their qualifying double-header on Tuesday.
The record seven-time continental champions journey to the Bingu National Stadium on a run of three consecutive victories over the home side and will look to extend this fine streak.
Match preview
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Malawi continue to struggle for results as a footballing nation as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Egypt at the 30 June Stadium in the first of two consecutive meetings last Friday.
Liverpool star and two-time African Footballer of the year Mohamed Salah almost single-handedly put the visitors to the sword as he scored before setting up Omar Marmoush on the stroke of half time.
Prior to that, Mario Marinica's men were denied their inaugural appearance at the African Nations Championship for home-based players as they were beaten on away goals by Mozambique in last year's CHAN 2022 qualifiers.
The Flames are now winless in six of their last seven matches across all competitions — losing three and claiming three draws — with last July's 2-0 victory over Mauritius in Group B of the COSAFA Cup being the exception.
Having lost two Group D outings since kicking off their 2023 AFCON qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Ethiopia in June, Malawi currently sit below third-placed Ethiopia on goal difference.
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Egypt, on the other hand, have now won their last four matches across all competitions and remain well on course for a record-extending 26th Africa Cup of Nations participation.
Prior to Friday's victory, Rui Vitoria's men were on a run of three straight friendly victories, seeing off Niger, Liberia and claiming a thrilling 2-1 win over European powerhouse Belgium on November 11.
Having dropped points in a shock 2-0 loss against Ethiopia in June, Egypt have now picked up two points wins from their opening three qualifying games to sit level on points with Guinea at the top of Group D.
The Pharaohs, who have conquered the continent on seven occasions, head into the midweek matchup looking to pick up successive competitive victories for the first time since going on a five-game winning streak between January and February 2022.
However, Egypt have struggled to grind out results away from home, where they are currently on a run of four consecutive defeats and have failed to win inside 90 minutes in their last six outings since last January's 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.
Team News
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Liverpool forward Salah turned in another eye-catching performance last Friday and we expect the 30-year-old to spearhead Egypt's attack once again.
He should be joined in the final third by Zizo, Mustafa Mohamed and 24-year-old Marmoush, who has scored five goals for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga this season.
Off the back of a solid defensive display, we expect an unchanged back four of Mohamed Hany, Ahmed Hegazy, Mohamed Abdelmonem and Mohamed Hamdi.
Meanwhile, Simba SC midfielder Peter Banda is ruled out of Tuesday's clash after picking up a severe injury 15 minutes after coming off the bench at the 30 June Stadium.
Gabadinho Mhango, who has two goals in the qualifiers, should still lead the visitors' attack, while Chikoti Chirwa and John Christopher Banda should retain their roles at the centre of the park.
Malawi possible starting lineup:
Thom; Petro, Chaziya, Chembezi, G Chirwa, Mhone, Banda, C Chirwa, Madinga; Muyaba, Mhango
Egypt possible starting lineup:
El-Shenawy; Hany, Hegazy, Abdelmonem, Hamdi; Hamed, Hamada; Zizo, Salah, Marmoush; Mohamed
We say: Malawi 0-2 Egypt
Egypt showed their class when the sides squared off in last week's reverse fixture and will be looking to complete the group double over Malawi. Given the gulf in quality and experience between the two nations, we are tipping the Pharaohs to come away with another comfortable win.
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