Egyptvs.Sierra Leone

The Pharaohs took their tally to 13 points with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on Friday, maintaining their four-point lead at the top of Group A as they edge closer to securing a place at the finals.

Match preview

Hossam Hassan's side moved a step closer to their first World Cup appearance since 2018, bouncing back from a draw against Guinea-Bissau last June with a dominant performance against Ethiopia.

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 31st minute before turning provider for Ahmed Sayed nine minutes later, though a wasteful second half prevented them from adding to the tally.

While Salah stole the show with his sixth goal — the most by any player in the campaign — Trezeguet endured a frustrating outing despite having a couple of good chances to add to his tally of five.

However, the former Aston Villa man will be eager for better luck on Tuesday against Sierra Leone, having netted both goals in a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture.

Egypt's success has been built on dominance at both ends, scoring 13 times - the joint most in the qualifiers - while they have conceded just twice, making them the toughest side to break down in their group.

Sierra Leone, meanwhile, have shown resilience in their campaign, shaking off a slow start that saw them fail to win their opening two games in November 2023 to turn their fortunes around with a series of strong results, keeping their hopes of qualification alive.

Like their hosts, the Leone Stars come into this clash on the back of a victory, having claimed a 3-1 triumph over Guinea-Bissau in what was a dream start for Mohamed Kallon in his first game in charge, securing their second win in three outings.

The legendary ex-striker, who took over as head coach in February, saw his side capitalise on defensive lapses to take control, with captain Mustapha Bundu firing them ahead in the 19th minute before Musa Noah Kamara doubled the lead on the hour mark, though an opposition response seven minutes later created brief tension before Ibrahim Turray struck in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt.

That victory saw Kallon's men climb to third in the table with eight points from two wins, two draws and one defeat, trailing Egypt by five while sitting behind second-placed Burkina Faso only on goal difference.

Sierra Leone's upturn in form has been fuelled by their attacking resurgence, with all seven of their goals in the campaign coming in their last three matches, and they will look to build on that momentum on Tuesday as they aim to narrow the gap at the top.

Egypt World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

W

D

W

Egypt form (all competitions):

W

W

W

D

D

W

Sierra Leone World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

W

D

W

Sierra Leone form (all competitions):

L

L

W

D

L

W

Team News

Egypt head coach Hassan is expected to stick with the 4-3-3 setup that delivered against Ethiopia, with Omah Mamoush, Osama Faisal and Salah leading the attack.

The latter's goal last time out brought his international tally to 61, leaving him just eight behind the all-time top scorer, who happens to be his current gaffer.

Like Egypt, Sierra Leone will have their record goalscorer on the touchline, with Kallon having netted eight times before retiring in 2012, and the head coach is likely to retain the side that saw off Guinea-Bissau, with Kamara and Bundu set to continue their strike partnership after their productive outing.

Turray, having made an impact off the bench in a 12-minute cameo last time out, will be pushing for a starting role in midfield as the visitors seek to build on their recent momentum.

Egypt possible starting lineup:

El Shenawy; Trezeguet, Abdelmonem, Rabia, Hani; Attia, Sayed, Fathy; Marmoush, Faisal, Salah

Sierra Leone possible starting lineup:

Sesay; Jalloh, Turay, Bah, Tarawallie; Bangura, Koroma, Dumbuya, Fomah; N. Kamara, Bundu

We say: Egypt 2-0 Sierra Leone

Written by

Adeyeye Oluwapelumi

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