In an exciting showdown, Egypt will take on Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium following their final games in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Pharaohs emerged victorious with a 1-0 win against Ethiopia, displaying their dominance despite Mohamed Salah’s absence.
This triumph marked Egypt’s fifth win in the qualifying matches, putting them on par with Mali, Algeria, and Nigeria.
Looking ahead to next year’s AFCON, Rui Vitoria’s men are gearing up early by preparing for their encounter with the possible favorites in the continental showpiece.
Under Vitoria’s leadership, the Pharaohs have remained unbeaten in eight games, boasting an impressive track record of victories.
A victory against Tunisia would extend Egypt’s unbeaten streak to nine, especially with Salah rejoining the squad. With him back on the pitch, Africa’s most successful side is confident in their ability to secure another win.
However, Tunisia is determined to stun the Pharaohs in their capital city. Despite securing only four wins in qualifying matches, the Eagles of Carthage emerged as the leaders of Group J, outperforming Equatorial Guinea due to their win over Botswana and Equatorial Guinea’s draw with bottom-ranked Libya.
Tunisia’s solid defense conceded only one goal in six qualifying matches, hinting at their ability to challenge Egypt in Cairo.
On the attacking front, Youssef Msakni’s performance was commendable, with him scoring five goals in the qualifiers, surpassed only by Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen. Tunisia aims to end Rui Vitoria’s unbeaten start as Egypt’s coach in this friendly encounter.
Team News:
Salah is expected to return for Egypt after being rested in the AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia. However, left-back Mohamed Hamdi may be unavailable due to a late injury in the previous match.
For Tunisia, Msakni is likely to start in the game against Egypt, building on his impactful performance as a second-half substitute in their 3-0 victory over Botswana. Ali Abdi, who proved to be an attacking threat, should retain his position as the left-back.
Probable Starting Lineups:
Egypt:
Goalkeeper: El Shenawy
Defenders: Hany, Gabr, Abdelmonem, Fatouh
Midfielders: Attia, Fathi, Hamada
Forwards: Salah, Mohamed, Marmoush
Tunisia:
Goalkeeper: Dahmen
Defenders: Valery, Meriah, Talbi, Abdi
Midfielders: Msakni, Mejbri, Skhiri, Laidouni, Ltaief
Forward: Jouini
Prediction: Egypt 2-1 Tunisia
Both teams are evenly matched, but with Salah’s return, Egypt holds the advantage over Tunisia in this thrilling encounter at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium.