Aliou Cisse unfazed by Angola’s winless record against Egypt ahead of AFCON qualifier clash

Angola head coach Aliou Cisse is unfazed by the Palancas Negras’ poor historical record against Egypt as they prepare for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Angola will face the Pharaohs on Friday, September 25, 2026, as both sides begin their campaign to secure qualification for the continental showpiece.

Despite Angola’s struggles in previous meetings with Egypt, Cisse believes past results will have no bearing on the upcoming encounter and insists his team must focus on the task at hand.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Senegalese tactician said he was delighted to be back in Egypt but stressed that Friday’s encounter should be treated as an individual match rather than being influenced by the history between the two nations.

“I am happy to be in Egypt again. Tomorrow’s match is very important, but it is one of six matches in the qualifiers, and each match has its own circumstances,” Cisse said.

“Angola’s historical record of not beating Egypt means nothing, because every match has its own considerations.”

Cisse’s comments underline his belief that Angola must approach the qualifier with confidence and discipline rather than allowing their previous meetings with Egypt to affect their mentality.

The former Senegal coach, who guided the Teranga Lions to their maiden AFCON title in 2021, will be aiming to make a strong start with Angola as he begins the latest chapter of his coaching career.

Egypt, meanwhile, will be looking to use home advantage to begin their qualifying campaign on a positive note, setting the stage for an intriguing contest between two sides with ambitions of reaching the 2027 AFCON tournament.

For Cisse, however, history will count for little once the two teams step onto the pitch, with the Angola coach insisting that the Palancas Negras have the opportunity to write a new chapter in their meetings with the Pharaohs.