Egypt Face Resilient Mozambique

After a fantastic start, beating Nigeria 3-1 in Group C’s opener, Egypt face Mozambique knowing that a victory would secure qualification. It is an all too different story for their opponents however, as they will feel they need to come away with something if they are to surpass expectations and obtain a quarter-final spot.

The Pharaohs will be confident going into a match they are fully expected to win; being made as much as 1-4 favourites for the encounter by some bookmakers. And the match against Nigeria was pretty much as expected; Egypt kept possession with their nonchalant passing football, but did look vulnerable to pace down the flanks. If the Mambas want to exploit that, then they will have to direct play towards Domingues on the right, but otherwise Dario will be their focal point. He is Mozambique’s all time record goal scorer, and at 32, will be hoping he can still to the business for the group’s underdogs.

Mozambique’s goalscoring hopes lie with Dario

Mozambique boss Mart Nooij has been integral to their relative success in recent years, as the country has a pretty bleak record, extending back to their inaugural game in 1977. This is only the fourth ANC they have competed in, failing to qualify for the last five tournaments.

Mart Nooij’s impressive work has seen him linked with the Nigeria job

Ahmed Hassan will once again have the duty of dictating the midfield, and expect Emad Moteab to retain his place in the team alongside Zidan. Moteab has a fantastic goal scoring record throughout the archives of his career, and grabbed himself a goal in his side’s opening match of the tournament.

The Pharaohs’ strikers will have a major role to play come Saturday, as Mozambique’s defensive line will be difficult to break down. The Mambas kept five clean sheets in their successful qualifying campaign, and so Egypt’s forward line will have to be at their best.

Prediction: I feel that the game will start tight, with Mozambique absorbing the Egypt pressure, with no real chances created, only a few half chances. But once the deadlock is broken, Egypt should go on to get more, and so win 3-0.