Cape Verde-Egypt is a match in the group stage of the African Cup of Nations and is played Monday at 9 p.m.: free-to-air TV, lineups, predictions.
Among the surprises of this group stage of the African Cup of Nations is definitely Cape Verde, leading Group B after the first two days. Ahead of more highly ranked and emblazoned selections such as Egypt and Ghana and with first place and qualification for the round of 16 already in the bag, the Tubaroes Azuis (the Blue Sharks) led by coach Bubista last Friday achieved their second success, overwhelming Mozambique 3-0, and can now afford to face the Pharaohs with the serenity of those who have nothing to lose.
From Bebé, Ryan Mendes and Pina the goals that allowed the small selection to remain on full points in a group that, according to what were initial predictions, was supposed to be dominated by the Egyptians and Ghanaians. Instead, one of the two representatives is in danger of leaving the competition earlier than expected: Egypt has only 2 points (one more than Ghana and Mozambique), is undefeated but still winless, and against Cape Verde will definitely not be able to make a mistake. Only two draws for Rui Vitoria’s men, who lost their captain as well as the most representative player, Salah, in the match with Ghana, which ended 2-2 – the same result as the debut match with Mozambique.
Egypt orphaned of Salah
The former Roma man returned immediately to Liverpool after being diagnosed with a hamstring strain and will return to the Ivory Coast only if Egypt makes it to the quarterfinals. Otherwise, the African Cup of Nations is already over for him.
Egypt will have to do without him, relying on an attack that has nevertheless responded so far, scoring four goals in the first two games. The top scorer is Mohamed, a striker from Nantes, but against Ghana, Eintracht Frankfurt center forward Marmoush, among the most interesting elements of the North African selection, also ended up on the goalscorer’s list.
The prediction
Motivation will in all likelihood make the difference and that is why Egypt, still unsure of making it to the round of 16, should get the better of Cape Verde in a match of at least three goals total.
The likely lineups for Cape Verde-Egypt
CAPO VERDE (4-3-3): Vozinha; Moreira, Logan Costa, Lopes, Fernandes; Duarte, Pina, Monteiro; Mendes, Bebé, Jovane Cabral.
EGYPT (4-2-3-1): El Shenawy; Sharaf, Hegazy, Abdelmonem, Kamal; Fathi, Elneny; Trezeguet, Ashour, Marmoush; Mohamed.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2