Egypt vs DR Congo: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds and Telecast

Egypt vs DR Congo Match Preview

Tournament – AFCON

Date – Monday, January 29

Kick-off Time – 01:30 am IST

Venue – Stade de San Pedro

Egypt will face DR Congo in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Much to the surprise of many, Egypt didn’t win any of their three group-stage games. They opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Mozambique. The Pharaohs then played out two more 2-2 draws against Ghana and Cape Verde.

They finished second in Group B with three points, four behind Cape Verde.

Congo, meanwhile, also played out three draws in their group games. They drew 1-1 against Zambia and Morocco before playing out a goalless draw against Tanzania. They finished second in Group F with three points, four behind Morocco.

Egypt are ranked 33 came into the tournament as one of the favorites to win. Meanwhile, Congo, who are 67th in the world rankings, have shown their grit and ability so far as well. It would be an interesting clash for a place in the quarter-finals.

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Team News

Egypt suffered a big blow in their second game of the tournament as captain and talisman Mohamed Salah suffered a hamstring injury against Ghana. He is expected to be out for 3-4 weeks.

Congo, meanwhile, are without midfielder Edo Kayembe, who suffered a calf injury earlier this month.

Possible Lineups

Egypt:

Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawi
Defenders: Ahmed Abou El Fotouh, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ahmed Hegazy, Mohamed Hany
Midfielders: Emam Ashour, Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi
Attackers: Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, Zizo

DR Congo:

Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpase-Nzau
Defenders: Arthur Masuaku, Dylan Batubinsika, Chancel Mbemba, Gedeon Kalulu
Midfielders: Samuel Moutoussamy, Charles Pickel, Gael Kakuta
Attackers: Fiston Mayele, Silas Katompa Mvumpa, Yoane Wissa

Also Read: Who has secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations Last 16?

Head-to-Head

The two sides have faced off just once previously, with Egypt winning the encounter. It came in the Africa Cup of Nations 2019.

Last five results:

Egypt 2-0 DR Congo – AFCON – June 27, 2019

Prediction

Egypt haven’t been at their best at AFCON 2024, playing out two draws. While they have created chances, they have looked vulnerable in defense. Moreover, Salah’s injury comes as a big blow for the Pharaohs.

Congo, meanwhile, have also narrowly qualified for the Round of 16, getting some good results against the likes of Morocco.

It should be a tight clash but Egypt’s experience at this stage should help them get past Congo.

Predicted Score: Egypt 2-1 DR Congo

Odds (subject to change)

Egypt win – 2.37

DR Congo win – 3.92

Draw – 3.17

Odds source – Oddspedia.com

Players to Watch Out For

Egypt

Mostafa Mohamed is likely to be the key player for Egypt in the clash. The FC Nantes striker has scored one goal each in the three group-stage games. In Salah’s absence, Egypt will look towards Mohamed to bear the goalscoring responsibility.

The 26-year-old has overall scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 36 games for the Pharaohs.

DR Congo

For Congo, the player to watch out for will be Yoane Wissa. The Brentford striker has scored one goal in the tournament so far, which came in their first game against Zambia.

He has scored four goals in 19 games for Congo so far.

With Egypt having conceded two goals in each of their games so far, Wissa will look to capitalise on their defensive vulnerability.

Where to Watch

India – Fancode app & site

UK – Sky Sports

US – BeIN Sports