Egypt, host nation of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, continued their preparations with a friendly match against Tanzania, securing a narrow 1-0 victory. The Pharaohs played without star forward Mohamed Salah, who was rested, and relied on a revamped lineup to find their rhythm. The match, held at the bustling Borg El Arab stadium, served as an important rehearsal ahead of the continental tournament, allowing coach Javier Aguirre to assess his squad and fine-tune strategies before the competition begins.
The lone goal of the game came in the 64th minute from captain Ahmed Elmohamady, providing Egypt with a hard-fought win. While the scoreline was modest, the match offered valuable insights into the team’s organization and attacking patterns. The players showed cohesion in both defense and midfield, but Aguirre and his staff will likely focus on sharpening finishing, movement in the final third, and coordination among attacking players in the days leading up to the tournament.
Resting Mohamed Salah allowed other squad members to step up and gain confidence, giving the coaching team a clearer picture of the squad’s depth. Players such as Ahmed Hegazi, Mohamed Elneny, and Amr Warda contributed effectively, demonstrating both defensive solidity and creativity in midfield. The performance highlighted Egypt’s ability to control possession and create chances even without their global star, a positive sign for the Pharaohs as they prepare to face strong opposition in the group stage.
The match also served to engage fans at Borg El Arab, generating excitement and anticipation for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The stadium atmosphere, filled with energy and support, provided the team with a motivational boost ahead of the tournament. With Egypt set to open their campaign on June 21 against Zimbabwe, this friendly offered an opportunity to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and build confidence among the squad members.
Looking ahead, Egypt will face Guinea in their second preparatory match on Sunday, where Mohamed Salah is expected to feature. This upcoming encounter will allow the Pharaohs to integrate their star player into the lineup, test tactical adjustments, and further enhance team chemistry. These final friendlies are critical for ensuring that Egypt enters the AFCON with both strategy and morale optimized for competition.
Overall, the 1-0 victory against Tanzania provides a reassuring start to Egypt’s pre-tournament campaign. The Pharaohs demonstrated resilience, maintained control, and managed to secure the win despite Salah’s absence. As training continues and the second friendly approaches, Egypt will focus on refining their attack, maintaining defensive discipline, and ensuring that key players are fully prepared for the demands of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. With a host nation’s expectations and a talented squad, Egypt is poised to make a strong impression in front of its home fans.
