Senegal vs Egypt Preview: Team News & Prediction
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The first semi-final of this year’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations sees one of the strongest sides of the last decade, Senegal, facing Africa’s most successful team, Egypt.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Senegal preview: Strong Senegalese
Under the management of Pape Thiaw, Senegal have continued where they left off under Aliou Cisse with an impressive core, and arguably the best depth in African football, edging themselves deep into an AFCON this winter.
The Lions of Teranga managed to edge past Mali by a goal to nil at Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier in the quarter-finals at the weekend, with Iliman Ndiaye scoring in the first-half before Yves Bissouma was then sent off for the Malians.
Egypt preview: Back amongst it
Seven-time African champions Egypt are among the big boys in Africa once again with the Pharaohs having not won an AFCON since making it three in a row in 2010. They have made the final of two of the last four, though, and are back in the semis again.
They produced a thrilling 3-2 defeat of defending champions the Ivory Coast in Agadir in the quarter-finals with goals from star men Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah proving pivotal for Hossam Hassan’s side.
Senegal team news: Deep squad but no change
Senegal have an extremely impressive and deep squad and that is perhaps their biggest issue, finding the right formula, but, with no fresh injuries, there is no need to change here.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): E. Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, E. Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Diallo, Mane
Unavailable: I. Camara (Injured)
Questionable:
Egypt team news: Nothing fresh
Pyramids FC defender Mohamed Hamdi was forced off through injury against Benin in the round of 16 and he remains Egypt’s only confirmed absentee for this one.
Predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Abdelmaguid; Attia, Fathy; Ashour; Salah, Marmoush
Unavailable: Hamdi (Injured)
Questionable:
Senegal vs Egypt prediction
Senegal and Egypt famously faced off against each other in the 2021 CAF Africa Cup of Nations final in early 2022 with the Senegalese, led by Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, edging past the Egyptians, led by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, on penalties. Both players remain key men for their respective nations with the teams more or less still built around them, with the intention being to contain first and foremost and, with that, as well as the high stakes, a low-scoring semi-final seems likely.
Senegal vs Egypt tip: Under 2.5 goals
