Egypt arrive in Malawi ahead of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash

Egypt’s national team have arrived in Malawi after a flight from Cairo lasting more than five hours, ahead of Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying fixture.

The teams are scheduled to meet at 15:00 on Tuesday in the fourth round of the qualifying campaign, with Egypt travelling on a private aircraft on Sunday afternoon, two days before the match.

The delegation was expected to arrive in Malawi at 22:00 Cairo time. Before leaving Egypt, the squad completed a morning training session as part of its preparations for the game.

Egypt coach Ali Maher decided not to include Mohamed Abdelmonem in the travelling party after the defender was left behind to continue his treatment.

The Egyptian Football Association said the decision had been taken by Maher in coordination with national team doctor Mohamed Abu El Ela.

The Nice defender joined the Egypt camp while carrying an injury and did not feature in the first meeting with Malawi on Friday.

Egypt are now in a strong position in Group B and could secure their place at the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 on Tuesday if the results go in their favour.

The qualifying picture became clearer after the third round of group matches. Angola moved level with Egypt at the top of the group after beating South Sudan 2-0 with both goals scored in added time.

That result took Angola to seven points, the same total as Egypt. Malawi are third on three points, while South Sudan remain bottom without a point.

Egypt’s position is also strengthened by their goal difference. The Pharaohs have scored 10 goals in the qualifying campaign without conceding, giving them a goal difference of +10. Angola’s goal difference is +4.

Egypt will host Malawi in Tuesday’s fourth-round fixture, while Angola will travel to face South Sudan on the same day.

If Egypt defeat Malawi and Angola beat South Sudan, both sides will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations without needing to wait for the final two rounds.

Under that scenario, Egypt and Angola would each move to 10 points. Malawi and South Sudan would then be unable to overtake either side during the remaining two matches.

The two leading teams would subsequently compete for top spot in Group B, with qualification already secured.