Pharaohs to miss Salah in crunch Cape Verde tie

Egypt will have to make do without talisman Mohamed Salah in their must-win encounter against Cape Verde in their final Group B match at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with the game set to take place at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Monday.

Kick-off is at 10pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Having already qualified for the Round of 16, Cape Verde go into their final Group stage match on the back of a 2-1 win against Ghana and also, a 3-0 victory over Mozambique respectively.

Egypt however, recorded back-to-back 2-2 draws against Mozambique and Ghana in the tournament.

With two points to their name, Egypt are in second spot in Group B, one point behind Ghana who occupy third on the table.

TEAM NEWS

In what was major news in the tournament recently, Mohamed Salah has been ruled out for two fixtures owing to a hamstring injury he suffered against the Black Stars.

Cape Verde,meanwhile, have reported no fresh injury concerns in the last couple of days.

What was said…

“I am so proud of my players. They applied the instructions perfectly, what makes me even more proud is their behaviour on the pitch,” Cape Verde coach Bubista said after his side qualified for the Round of 16.

“When one loses the ball, another recovers it. I liked seeing this solidarity. My players wanted more even after the third goal, they still wanted to score. It’s this competitive spirit that I like.”

“The X-rays that Mohamed Salah, the captain of the Egyptian national team, underwent showed that he suffered a strain in the posterior muscle,” the Egyptian FA said in a statement regarding Salah’s fitness.

“He will miss the team’s next two matches in the African Nations, against Cape Verde and then the Round of 16 match in the event of qualification.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cape Verde: Bebe – The former Manchester United winger has been in fine form for Cape Verde at the showpiece and has the ability to produce magic with the ball at his feet. As a dead-ball specialist, Bebe can cause damage at set-plays on the edge of the opposition area.

Egypt: Mohamed Elneny – Without Salah, Elneny will be looked at as one of the senior members of the Egyptian team to steer the ship. Elneny provides presence and a calm head in the middle of the park, which will be crucial in high pressure situations.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first meeting between the two nations.