In the Group D clash, the Mohamed Salah-inspired side will travel to the Bingu National Stadium in the hope of making it two wins in a row.
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Egypt and Ethiopia will be heading into Thursday’s fixtures on the back of contrasting results in their opening 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. In the Group D clash, the Mohamed Salah-inspired side will travel to the Bingu National Stadium in the hope of making it two wins in a row. Egypt won their opening match – a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea. However, Ethiopia had to settle for a 2-1 defeat away to Malawi at the weekend. Going by the FIFA rankings, the visitors are much higher than their Thursday opponents. Egypt are currently occupying the 32nd spot, while Ethiopia have a ranking of 140.
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Egypt have to be considered the clear favourites in this clash, however, recent form has not been their best friend. Prior to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Egypt missed on a Qatar World Cup ticket after losing a two-legged tie to Senegal via penalty shootout. They also lost the AFCON final to the same opponent and yet again through a shootout. Even in the first match of the AFCON qualifiers, Egypt had to struggle for long periods to break down Guinea. The only goal of the game came three minutes from time when Mostafa Mohamed scored for the then hosts.
This latest run of form for Egypt will give Ethiopia some comfort, however, their own form this year has been extremely worrisome. In the seven matches played this year, Ethiopia have not won a single game, drawing three and losing four. Their last victory came at the end of 2021 when they beat Sudan in a friendly. Ethiopia were not at their best during the defeat to Malawi in the opener at the weekend. Hence, they will have to raise their game considerably to have a shot at causing a major upset on Thursday.
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There are not many injury and suspension concerns, hence both sides can be expected to name a strong starting line-up for Thursday’s fixture. For Ethiopia, the main talking point will be in the attacking midfield position. It is not clear whether Mesud Mohammed might retain his place or Shemeles Bekele could replace him. Abubeker Nassir could lead the attack and team up with either or both of Dawa Hotessa and Amanuel Gebremichael. For Egypt, Mostafa Mohamed could very well line up alongside star Liverpool frontman Mohamed Salah. Hamdi Fathi could lead the midfield, while the defence is expected to be the same as last game.
Ethiopia possible line-up: F Gebremichael, Tonjo, Debebe, Baye, Yohannes, Yesuf, Bekele, Dagnachew, A Gebremichael, Nasir, Hotessa
Egypt possible line-up: Gabal, Gaber, Hamdi, Ibrahim, Ashraf, Ashour, Fathi, Al-Sulaya, Salah, Zizo, Marmoush
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The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualification match between Ethiopia and Egypt will take place at the Bingu National Stadium and it will kick off at 09:30 pm IST on Thursday.
A selection of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will be telecast live on beIN SPORTS.
