AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Egypt vs. Angola – Preview, talking points and prediction

Egypt begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign against Angola on Friday as the seven-time champions look to make a strong start in Group B.

The Pharaohs host the Palancas Negras at 19:00, with Hossam Hassan’s side going into the fixture having lost just two of their last nine matches in all competitions.

Egypt have also never lost to Angola in eight previous meetings, recording four wins and four draws.

Egypt looking for another strong start

The Pharaohs have regularly made quick starts in recent matches and have led at half-time in three of their last five games.

They will hope to maintain that trend against an Angola side that has struggled to produce its best football early in matches.

Egypt’s recent form includes their run at the FIFA World Cup, where they reached the last 16 before losing 3-2 to Argentina.

The Pharaohs are also the record winners of the AFCON with seven titles and have traditionally negotiated qualification successfully.

Their most recent meeting with Angola came in the group stage of the previous AFCON, when the sides played out a goalless draw.

Angola looking to build on friendly win

Angola will enter the fixture seeking to improve a record that has seen them go without a win in four of their last five matches.

The Palancas Negras did beat the Central African Republic 3-0 in a friendly in June, but that victory came after a run of five matches without a win.

Angola have also struggled to make an early impact, failing to lead at half-time in four of their last five games.

They have failed to score in the first half in two of their last three matches.

Salah expected to lead Egypt attack

Egypt have named a squad similar to the one that represented them at the World Cup, with captain Mohamed Salah expected to feature in attack alongside Mostafa Ziko.

Yasser Ibrahim is expected to partner Ramy Rabia in central defence, while Mohamed El Shenawy is set to start in goal.

Egypt: Mohamed El Shenawy; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Ramy Rabia, Karim Hafez; Mohanad Lasheen, Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour, Hassiem Hassan; Mostafa Ziko, Mohamed Salah.

Angola rely on experienced defensive partnership

Angola are expected to line up with Kialonda Gaspar and David Carmo at the heart of their defence, with the pair having developed a strong understanding.

Randy Nteka is expected to operate in midfield, while Zito Luvumbo should provide an attacking threat alongside Chico Banza and Mabululu.

Angola: Neblu; Marsoni Sambu, Kialonda Gaspar, David Carmo, Nurio Fortuna; Show, Beni Mukendi, Randy Nteka; Chico Banza, Mabululu, Zito Luvumbo.

Prediction: Egypt 3-1 Angola