Guinea and Egypt return to action in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they go head to head at the Stade de Marrakech on Wednesday.
Currently level on points at the top of Group D, we anticipate a thrilling contest ensuing between the two nations as they look to finish as group winners.
Match preview
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After a slow start to their qualifying campaign, a run of three successive victories have put Guinea on the cusp of a 13th appearance at the African Cup of Nations.
The Syli National suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Egypt in their Group D opener in June 2022, but a 1-0 win over Malawi four days later put their campaign back on track.
This was followed by a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on March 24, three days before beating the Walia Ibex 3-2 in the second of their group double-header at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Guinea now need just one point in their final two matches to seal a third consecutive AFCON appearance, having featured in the continental tournament in 2019 and 2021 respectively.
Kaba Diawara's side were dumped out in the round of 16 in both editions, losing 3-0 to Algeria in Egypt four years ago before a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Malawi in the 2021 edition.
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After their opening-day victory over Guinea, Egypt fell to a shock 2-0 loss against Ethiopia four days later, when Dawa Hotessa and Shemeles Bekele scored first-half goals at the Bingu National Stadium.
However, the Pharaohs quickly found their feet as they picked up two successive wins over Malawi in their two games so far in 2023, scoring six goals and keeping two clean sheets against the Flames.
Egypt have won their last five outings across all competitions, including a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium in their friendly at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium last November.
In that encounter, Mostafa Mohamed and Mahmoud Trezeguet scored in either hand to put the seven-time African champions two goals up before substitute Lois Openda pulled one back for the Red Devils in the 76th minute.
Rui Vitoria's men, who are looking to extend their record of 25 AFCON appearances, currently sit at the top of the table with nine points from four matches, just above Wednesday's hosts on goal difference.
Egypt head into the midweek clash unbeaten in their last seven clashes with Guinea, picking up five wins and two draws since their first encounter in February 1970.
Team News
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Diawara has named 23 players for the upcoming games against Egypt and Brazil, with the likes of Toulouse defender Issiaga Sylla and former Liverpool man Naby Keita headlining the list.
Lokomotiv Moscow striker Francois Kamano, who has 41 senior caps for Guinea, should lead the attack, alongside Morgan Guilavogui and 25-year-old Mohamed Bayo.
At the defensive end of the pitch, Antoine Conte, Saidou Sow, Mouctar Diakhaby and Sylla started the win over Ethiopia last time out and should retain their roles in the XI.
Al Ahly forward Ahmed Abdel-Kader has earned a late call-up to the Egypt squad, joining fellow club teammates Mohamed El-Shennawy, Mohamed Hany and Hussein El-Shahat.
Abdel-Kader replaces 27-year-old Mohamed Helal, who picked up an injury while in action for National Bank of Egypt in the Premier League last Friday.
All eyes will be on Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who headlines Egypt squad, while Future FC midfield duo Mohamed Reda and Ghannam Mohamed have received a first-ever call-up to the national team.
Guinea possible starting lineup:
Kone; Conte, Sow, Diakhaby, D Sylla; Diawara, M Sylla, Keita; Kamano, Bayo, Guilavogui
Egypt possible starting lineup:
El-Shennawy; Hany, H Salah, Abdelmonem, Hamdi; Hamada, Fathy; Marmoush, M Salah, Trezeguet; Mohamed
We say: Guinea 1-2 Egypt
While Guinea have named a strong squad, we expect them to struggle against an Egypt side that should have too much quality to handle. We predict a cagey affair at the Stade de Marrakech, with the Pharaohs claiming a close victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Joshua Ojele
