Egypt will get their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations underway against Zimbabwe and they will be hopeful of getting a win here. Bet on AFCON 2019 here.
Egypt are the favourites to claim the Africa Cup of Nations title in their own backyard but Zimbabwe have some quality players that could cause them problems. The head-to-head record between the two sides’ points to an Egypt win and the home crowd should play a role in that.
Zimbabwe have only won one of their last four international matches which was in a penalty shoot-out against Lesotho. They will be facing on of the best sides in the continent and it will be interesting to see if they can stand in the way of the Pharaohs.
Betting preview
The Pharaohs have won two consecutive matches and have won their last four meetings against Zimbabwe. You can bet on a -1 Handicap Home Win at odds of 1.60.
Egypt have managed to find the net in nine of their last ten games in all competitions. Two or more goals have been scored in eight of the Pharaohs’ last ten games, and Over 2.5 Goals have been scored in three of the last four games between the two teams. Odds of 1.95 look good for Over 2.5 Goals here.
Mohamed Salah won the Golden Boot in the Premier League this season with 22 goals and remains the main threat on the Egyptian side. Salah will want to shine in front of home the home fans and you can back him for the Anytime Goalscorer market at odds 3.70.
Team news
Ahmed El Mohamady, Ahmed Hegazi, Mohamed El Neny and Salah are all fit and ready to play in the opening game on Friday, but defender Ali Gabr has not been called up.
Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat are two key players for Zimbabwe and both are free of injury and ready to take on the hosts, but Tafadzwa Rusike missed out on selection.
Possible line-ups
Egypte: El Shenawy, Ashraf, El Mohamady, Hegazy, Elmohamady, Hamed, Elneny, Warda, Trezeguet, Salah, Mohsen
Zimbabwe: Sibanda, Lunga, Phiri, Hadebe, Darikwa, Karuru, Nakamba, Mudimu, Musona, Billiat, Mushekwi