Cape Verde - Egypt predictions and free betting tips [22/01/2024]

Today, within the framework of the third round of Group B in the Africa Cup of Nations, the teams of Cape Verde and Egypt will compete.

Team Cape Verde

Team Cape Verde has sensationally secured its exit from the group at the Africa Cup of Nations, achieving convincing victories in both of its matches. In the first match, they defeated Ghana with a score of 2:1, starting with a goal from Monteiro in the 17th minute. Ghana equalized thanks to Jiku, but Garry Rodrigues brought Cape Verde's victory in the final minutes. In the second match, they defeated Mozambique with a score of 3:0, where all three goals were scored after set-pieces.

In the second match of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cape Verde's team demonstrated their strength, achieving a victory over Mozambique with a score of 3:0. While the xG (expected goals) stats were only 0.83, the team showed efficiency in scoring opportunities.

The first goal was scored by former Manchester United player, Bebe, who struck the net with a powerful shot from approximately 30 meters away. This goal was a shining moment in the match. The second goal is credited to Mendes, who capitalized on a gross mistake by a Mozambique defender near his own penalty area. The third goal from Lenini was also a result of a brilliant long shot, showcasing the technical skills of Cape Verde's players.

The team looked confident and organised, proving their right to be in the top spot in the group and move to the next stage of the tournament. Against the backdrop of unexpected mishaps from opponents like Ghana and Egypt, Cape Verde's success has been a pleasant surprise and affirmed their ability to compete at the highest level. Cape Verde's team under the guidance of experienced coach Bubishta, demonstrates mature and confident play. In the squad, there are notable players such as Mendes and Rodrigues, as well as Bebe and Jovane Cabral, who are key figures in the attack. In defense, the young centre-back Logan Costa from Toulouse deserves attention.

Team Egypt

Team Egypt, one of the favorites of the Africa Cup of Nations, finds itself in a difficult situation after two starting draws in the tournament. In the first game, the team sensationally let slip a victory over Mozambique, drawing 2:2. Despite Mostafa Mohamed opening the scoring as early as the 2nd minute after a pass from Mohamed Salah, by the 58th minute the Egyptians were trailing 1:2. Salah's penalty goal on the 906th minute saved one point. Egypt dominated possession (60%) and had 21 shots on goal compared to Mozambique's 5, but two on-target shots from the opposition turned out to be decisive.

In the second match, Egypt again lost points, this time playing against Ghana. Marmoush on the 69th minute and Mostafa Mohamed after a pass from Trezeguet on the 74th minute helped the national team level the score and earn an important point. However, the biggest concern is the injury of Mohamed Salah, received at the end of the first half of the second match. The leader and symbol of Egyptian football, as well as the star of Liverpool, suffered a muscle injury, and his participation in the next tournament match is in question. The loss of such a calibre could seriously affect Egypt's play and their chances of success in the tournament.

For now, the Egypt team is in second place in their group, but to move on to the next stage of the tournament they need to improve their results, especially in the defensive line, and find a way to compensate for the possible absence of Salah and take 3 points from the unmotivated Cape Verde team, who have already advanced from group B.

Head-to-head

The teams have never faced each other before. Prior to the Africa Cup of Nations, on January 7, 2024, Egypt defeated Tanzania 2:0 in a friendly match. In the world championship qualifier 2026, on November 19, Egypt defeated Sierra Leone with a score of 2:0, and on November 16, 2023, it defeated Djibouti with a score of 6:0.

Forecast for Cape Verde - Egypt match

First of all, without Salah, the Egypt team is far from being a powerful opponent, on whose victory in the match against the group leader, the odds should be 1.5. I did not see in the second match with Ghana why the Pharaohs should easily defeat the fast and organised team of Cape Verde. The nominal hosts of the pitch do not have tournament motivation, but it is unlikely to prevent them from fighting the Egyptians even without the possible departure of Bebe and other leaders. I bet on Cape Verde's positive handicap.