CAIRO – Egypt is set to participate in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) for the 26th time making it the team with the highest number of appearances.
The Pharaohs have been placed in Group B alongside Mozambique, Ghana, and Cape Verde.
Egypt holds the record for the most AFCON titles won with seven trophies.
The Pharaohs hold the record for the most titles won in Africa’s flagship football competitions with seven final triumphs.
The seven-time winners also hold the record for hosting the tournament more times than any other country, having staged the event five times, with the latest being in 2019.
The Egyptian national team, the runner-up in the last edition in 2021, aims to reclaim continental glory and return to the winner’s podium, which it hasn’t reached since the 2010 edition in Angola.
Egypt’s Group B matches
January 14, 2024
Egypt vs. Mozambique at 17:00 GMT
January 18, 2024
Egypt vs. Ghana at 20:00 GMT
January 22, 2024
Cape Verde vs. Egypt at 20:00 GMT
How Egypt Qualified
The Egyptian national team finished top of Group D of the qualifiers, accumulating 15 points from winning 5 matches and losing one match.
The defeat occurred in the away match against Ethiopia in the second round. Egypt’s attack scored a total of 10 goals, while its defence conceded only three goals.
Player to Watch: Omar Marmoush
Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga, is one of the key players to watch in Cote d’Ivoire.
The 24-year-old, known for his versatility as a left-winger and a striker, possesses speed, excellent dribbling skills, and the ability to easily penetrate the opponent’s defence.
Marmoush aims to showcase his technical abilities during the competition and demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess, cafonline reported.
Coach: Rui Vitoria
The Egyptian Football Association appointed Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria as the head coach of the national team in July 2022.
The 53-year-old coach seeks to lead the Egyptian team to its eighth continental title, especially after reaching the final as the runner-up in the previous edition in 2021.
Vitoria’s coaching style emphasises intense pressure and direct attacking play, particularly in the first half, while focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacks in the second half.
Elsewhere, Ghana’s Black Stars will kick off their AFCON preparations by assembling in Johannesburg next week.
The four-time champions will meet on December 31st to begin a 10-day camp in South Africa ahead of next month’s finals in Cote d’Ivoire, the Ghana FA has announced.
Ghana faces a solitary warm-up friendly against Botswana on January 8th before travelling to Abidjan two days later.
Black Stars Coach Chris Hughton confirmed training sessions at the Johannesburg camp will be closed to the media and public.
Hughton’s side has been drawn in a tricky Group B alongside giants Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique.
They open their campaign against Cape Verde on January 14th in a rematch of their World Cup playoff earlier this year.
Ghana then takes on record seven-time AFCON winners Egypt on January 18th in a titanic clash between two of the continent’s heavyweights.
The Black Stars conclude their group matches versus Mozambique on January 22nd.
Hughton is expected to name a strong squad including the likes of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and West Ham star Mohammed Kudus.
Captain Andre Ayew will lead the squad as he looks to inspire Ghana to a first Afcon triumph since 1982.
With a total of four titles, Ghana is seeking to close the gap on Egypt and Cameroon’s record tally of five AFCON wins.
After the heartbreak of their 2022 World Cup group stage exit, Ghana is out to make amends on the international stage in Cote d’Ivoire.
But with tricky group opponents, Hughton knows his squad faces a stern test if they are to advance deep into the tournament.
The manager will hope a focused Johannesburg training camp can help Ghana find their best form before the AFCON begins.
With Ayew, Partey and others on board, Ghana still possess the undeniable quality to conquer Africa again 40 years on from their last success.
