The Africa Cup of Nations continues with an exciting match between Egypt and Congo DR at Stade Laurent Pokou. The winner of this match will earn a spot in the quarter-final against either Equatorial Guinea or Guinea.
Match Preview:
Egypt, the seven-time champions, may have surprised many by qualifying for the last 16 without winning a single group stage match.
Despite drawing all three games, they showed resilience against Ghana and surrendered their lead twice against Cape Verde.
Although they hope for an easier match, history suggests that penalties may be necessary since four of their last seven AFCON knockout ties went to a shootout.
However, they have only lost one of five encounters against Congo DR, winning three and drawing one.
Congo DR also failed to win a match in the group stages, drawing all three games, including a 1-1 draw with Morocco.
They have failed to win any of their last six matches in all competitions and scored only two goals in the group stage, which is the second-lowest among all 16 teams.
They advanced from the group stage in their last four AFCON appearances but were ousted in the first knockout match in 2019 and 2017.
Team News:
Egypt will be without Mohamed Salah due to injury, leaving Mostafa Mohamed to lead the attack. Emam Ashour is also ruled out after suffering a concussion.
Goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy is replaced with Mohamed Abou Gabal.
Congo DR’s defender Henock Inonga may miss the match due to a head injury.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Egypt: (4-3-3)
Gabal;
Hany, Hegazy, Abdelmonem, Fotouh;
Fathi, Attia, Elneny;
Zizo, Mohamed, Marmoush
Congo DR: (4-2-3-1)
Mpasi;
Kalulu, Mbemba, Batubinsika, Masuaku;
Pickel, Moutoussamy;
Silas, Kakuta, Bakambu;
Wissa
Prediction: Egypt 2-1 Congo DR
We predict an intense match between the two teams, with Egypt emerging victorious with a 2-1 win. Although Congo DR has shown resilience, their poor form may put them at a disadvantage against a determined Egypt side who has experience and history on their side.
