The Egyptian national team is set to face South Sudan in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The two teams will clash at the Juba International Stadium on Tuesday. This will be the first competitive match between the two teams, with their previous encounter being a friendly match on June 18, 2023, which Egypt won 3-0. Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, aims to secure his team's first win in the qualifiers after a goalless draw against Angola in the first round.
In their previous friendly match, Egypt, under the leadership of coach Rui Vitoria, fielded a largely rotated squad. The team included several fringe players, with six key players rested after a 2-1 win over Guinea. The starting lineup featured goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi, defenders Ahmed Ramadan, Yasser Ibrahim, Ali Gabr, and Ahmed Fتوح, and midfielders Emad Moteab, Ahmed Zizo, and Mahmoud Hamada. Forwards Mustafa Fathi, Kahraba, and Mahmoud Trezeguet started the match.
Mahmoud Trezeguet wore the captain's armband for the first time in his career during the friendly match. Egypt dominated the game, with Mustafa Fathi scoring the opening goal in the 19th minute. This was Fathi's first international goal in eight years, despite having played 18 matches for the national team. Kahraba added the second goal just before halftime, ending his 1312-day goal drought for Egypt.
Trezeguet scored the third goal in the 72nd minute, completing a 3-0 win for Egypt. This victory marked the team's seventh consecutive win under coach Rui Vitoria, who achieved the best start by any coach with the national team since the current millennium. The match also saw the first and last international appearances for several players, including Mohamed Reza "Bobo," Hesham Salah, and Mahmoud Marai.
Egypt's win over South Sudan was part of their preparation for the 2023 AFCON. The team eventually qualified for the tournament under Vitoria's leadership. Now, under coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt aims to secure a win against South Sudan in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The Egyptian team is in a tough group, alongside Angola, South Sudan, and Malawi.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers will continue in November 2026 and March 2027, with the top teams advancing to the tournament in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, faces a challenging task in securing a win against South Sudan. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the 2027 AFCON.
Egypt's match against South Sudan is scheduled to kick off at 4 pm Cairo time on Tuesday. The team's starting lineup and strategy for the match remain to be seen. Key players, including Mohamed Salah, are expected to feature in the match. The outcome of the match will have a significant impact on Egypt's chances in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Key points
- Egypt seek first win in 2027 AFCON qualifiers against South Sudan
- Previous friendly match between teams ended 3-0 in Egypt's favor
- Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan aims to secure first win in group
