Egypt has shown its full capacity and force in the World Cup qualifiers so far. A maximum of nine points won, 10 goals scored, and only one conceded surely strike fear into the opponents’ bones. Interestingly, nine of the mentioned 10 goals have come from solely two players – Mohamed Salah and Trézéguet. The eventual fourth consecutive win in this campaign would represent a huge step towards the 2026 World Cup for the seven-time champions of Africa. However, between them and the tournament that takes place in the USA, Canada and Mexico, stands Guinea-Bissau. The team that has gathered five points so far is in second place, just behind the Pharaohs.After missing out on the Qatar World Cup, Mo Salah’s Egypt 🇪🇬 is determined to be in USA-Mexico-Canada 2026. The journey continues on Monday in Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 pic.twitter.com/QYfTI7YzY7— Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) June 9, 2024 Egypt manager Hossam Hassan was satisfied after a victory over Burkina Faso 2-1 on Thursday but realistically warned that his team needs to maintain focus and rhythm. In the mentioned game against the Stallions, Egypt played a fantastic first half, led 2-0 at the break, but ended up struggling to keep the advantage and record a win. The reason behind that could be Hassan’s surprising decision to change the formation from the usual 4-3-3 to 3-5-2. Therefore, it is expected that the 57-year-old returns to the tried-and-tested formation that has produced results. Luckily for Hassan, there are no major injuries within his team, and, most importantly, both Salah and Trézéguet should lead the Pharaohs’ attack.It’s now or never for the Super EaglesOn the other hand, Guinea-Bissau started the qualifying campaign quite well, but the discouraging draw against Ethiopia on their home turf certainly spoils the impression. The eventual defeat today would cost the Djurtus the second spot on the table, so their imperative to win is high. The triumph, however, would reduce the gap between today’s opponents to a single point only. Their biggest trump is their captain – Olympique Lyonnais’ Mama Baldé. On top of that, the defender Houboulang Mendes returns to the squad after the suspension. Interstingly, Guinea-Bissau and Egypt have met only once so far. It happened in 2021 at the African Cup of Nations and the Pharaohs triumphed 1-0 thanks to Salah’s goal. On the whole, the away team’s win could, to a large extent, decide who will be the winner of the group, whereas the Djurtus’ victory could complicate the situation altogether.
WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS – AFRICASundaySao Tome and Principe – Liberia 0-1 (0-0)/Sesay 90/DR Congo – Togo 1-0 (1-0)/Elia 6/Djibouti – Ethiopia 1-1 (1-1)/Dadzie 29 – Wondimu 31/Mauritania – Senegal 0-1 (0-1)/Diallo 27/Namibia – Tunisia 0-0MondayMon 15:00: (1.75) Equatorial Guinea (3.45) Malawi (5.20)Mon 15:00: (7.00) Somalia (3.60) Botswana (1.58)Mon 18:00: (4.70) Guinea B. (3.50) Egypt (1.80)Mon 18:00: (5.10) Benin (3.50) Nigeria (1.75)Mon 18:00: (4.20) Uganda (3.35) Algeria (1.95)Mon 21:00: (1.25) Ghana (5.70) Central African Republic (13.0)Mon 21:00: (1.53) Burkina Faso (3.80) Sierra Leone (7.25)Mon 21:00: (1.80) Guinea (3.50) Mozambique (4.70)***odds are subject to change***