Preview: Kenya vs. Egypt - prediction, team news, lineups -

Egypt will look to confirm their qualification for the African Cup of Nations of Thursday, when they travel to Kasarani to take on Kenya.

The Pharaohs currently top their qualifying group with eight points from four games, while Kenya sit third having picked up just three points.

Match preview

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In their last qualification game, Kenya suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Comoros, as Masoud Juma 's equaliser for Kenya was followed by a Faiz Mattoir winner to seal all three points for the hosts.

However, the Harambee Stars have since recorded two victories in friendly games, firstly defeating South Sudan 1-0 at home thanks to a late Elvis Rupia goal.

Most recently, Kenya were fired to a 2-1 home victory over Tanzania by goals from Erick Kapaito and Hassan Abdallah.

Jacob Mulle will be hoping that his side can continue that improved form on their return to competitive action on Wednesday, as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

However, that will be very difficult as they play host to an Egypt side who look set to cruise through qualification and top the group.

The Pharaohs strengthened their qualification bid in November, as they defeated Togo in consecutive games.

Firstly, Mahmoud Hamdi netted a crucial winner in a 1-0 victory at the Cairo International Stadium.

They then recorded a 3-1 away victory three days later, as Mohamed Magdy, Mohamed Sherif and Trezeguet all found the net before Josue Doke scored a consolation goal for Togo in added time.

Hossam El Badry 's side will be looking to confirm their qualification on Wednesday, as they go in search of an eighth African Cup of Nations win, with no side matching the seven trophies that they have already picked up since 1957.

Kenya African Cup of Nations qualification form:

D

D

D

L

Kenya form (all competitions):

W

W

D

L

W

W

Egypt African Cup of Nations qualification form:

D

D

W

W

Egypt form (all competitions):

W

W

D

D

W

W

Team News

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One notable member of the Kenya squad for this game is Cliff Nyakeya, who plays his club football for ZED FC in the Egyptian second tier.

Their two European exports, Joseph Okomu and Eric Ouma, could feature in defence for Kenya, with both playing in Sweden with IF Elsborg and AIK respectively.

The experienced David Owino could be handed his 68th Kenya cap in this game, with no other player in the squad matching his longevity for the national team.

Erick Kapaito could lead the line for Mulle's men, having netted a crucial goal last time out.

Egypt's attack will be led by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, who has 43 international goals in 68 appearances, while also netting 17 Premier League goals so far this campaign.

He will be supported by the wide threat of Trezeguet, who has struggled for minutes in an improved Aston Villa side this season, but remains a real threat going forward.

Meanwhile, the defence will be shielded by Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who will be handed his 80th Egypt cap on Wednesday.

Kenya possible starting lineup:

Otieno; Okomu, Ouma, Owino, Badi; Abdallah, Otieno, Muguna, Kimani; Kapaito, Rupia

Egypt possible starting lineup:

El Shenawy; Mansour, Hegazi, Gabr, Ashraf; Trezeguet, Elneny, Hamed, El Solia; Salah, Sherif

We say: Kenya 0-3 Egypt

With their superior collection of talent, the Pharaohs should cruise to victory over Kenya on Thursday.

The attacking firepower of Salah, supported by the likes of Trezeguet and Mohamed Sherif, should fire them to a comfortable victory over Kenya.