2019 Africa Cup of Nations – Egypt vs Zimbabwe Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Egypt vs Zimbabwe taking place? Friday 21st June, 2019 – 21:00 (UK)
Where is Egypt vs Zimbabwe taking place? Cairo International Stadium, Cairo
What television channel is Egypt vs Zimbabwe on? Eurosport 2
Where can I stream Egypt vs Zimbabwe? Subscribers can stream the match via Eurosport Player
Where can I get tickets for Egypt vs Zimbabwe? https://www.footballticketnet.com/2019-africa-cup-of-nations
THE TEAM NEWS
EGYPT
- Hosts Egypt are the pre-tournament favourites and are seeking a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title. They are expected to get their campaign off to a winning start against Group A outsiders Zimbabwe, with DR Congo and Uganda the two other teams who Egypt will face in the group stage.
- Much of their hopes rest on the form of Liverpool’s Champions League winner Mohamed Salah. After a long season he was given time extra time to go off on holiday before joining up with the squad just over a week before the start of the tournament.
- Egypt won both of their warm-up matches ahead of the competition, a 1-0 victory against Tanzania was followed by a 3-1 win against Guinea last Sunday when Salah came off the bench in the second half and weighed in with two assists.
ZIMBABWE
- Zimbabwe have yet to progress beyond the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations in three previous attempts. In 2017 they finished at the bottom of their group but gave some very spirited showings against Senegal, Tunisia and Algeria.
- They qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations courtesy of winning Group G, and in doing so they picked up four points against DR Congo, who they will also face in their final group fixture at the finals.
- Key players for Zimbabwe are expected to be striker Knowledge Musona and talented midfielder Marvelous Nakamba who has featured in the UEFA Champions League for Club Brugge.
THE PREDICTION
There will be plenty of expectation on host nation Egypt as they start the tournament with a match against Zimbabwe who are the outsiders of Group A. The form and sharpness of Mo Salah is going to be pivotal to Egypt’s chances of going all the way and he showed his importance to the team by coming off the bench to set up two goals in their friendly win against Guinea. It is unlikely that the Liverpool star will play the full match but his presence alone will give the team a big boost. Zimbabwe have some decent players and might have a chance of snatching third place in the group but they are unlikely to defeat Egypt in the opening match of the tournament.
