Zamalek star Chico Banza predicts Angola victory over Egypt in AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Zamalek forward Chico Banza has confidently predicted that Angola will defeat Egypt in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash.

The Palancas Negras are paired in Group B alongside Malawi, Egypt and South Sudan following the draw in Cairo last Tuesday.

Reacting to the draw, the Angolan international expressed excitement about facing the Pharaohs and insisted his outfit has what it takes to secure victory against the record AFCON holders.

“We will win by two goals to one, and we will definitely defeat Egypt,” Banza declared during an interview on MBC Egypt.

The winger also made a bold public promise regarding the outcome of the match, stating that he would shave his head if Angola fail to beat Egypt.

“Let’s bet on the result,” he said. “I will shave my head if we lose to the Pharaohs, and that’s a promise.”

Banza admitted that he enjoys facing Egypt and revealed that he had already discussed the draw with Zamalek captain Omar Gaber.

The comments have already sparked reactions among supporters ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, with the clash between Angola and Egypt now expected to attract even greater attention following the forward’s confident prediction.

CAF has also condensed the qualification schedule because of the short period before the finals, which are scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Matchdays one and two will be played between September 21 and October 6, 2026, while matchdays three and four are set for November 9 to 17, 2026. The final two rounds of qualifiers will take place from March 22 to 30, 2027.