Egypt vs Mozambique prediction: AFRICA: Africa Cup of Nations betting tips on match 2024-01-13 17:00.
The most successful side in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins their quest to deliver yet more silverware as seven-time champions Egypt face outsiders Mozambique in Group B action. Last winning the tournament back in 2010, the Pharaohs’ will be eyeing up seamless progression from the group before trying to take an eighth tournament crown to surprise the bookmakers, who before the competition only had Rui Vitória’s side as the fifth favourites to succeed in the Ivory Coast.
After losing just once across their last 14 internationals (W12, D1) – a run which included a 2-1 friendly victory over European heavyweights Belgium – it’s difficult to see why Egypt are so unfavoured, especially as they’re captained by current Premier League Golden Boot leader Mo Salah. They’ve also won each of their last six competitive outings, five of which have come alongside a clean sheet which should see them enter this competition in high spirits.
It’s likely that Mozambique will find the going tough here as a result, especially as they’re ranked 78 places worse than their opponents in this AFCON opener by FIFA. Their 111th spot in the worldwide rankings does represent their best such return since 2020 at least, a rise that was helped by their improving form throughout 2023.
Losing just one of their last four outings (W2, D1) will have further raised their belief of causing an almighty upset here, but their recent form against Africa’s best teams remains woeful. The Mambas haven’t beaten any of the continent’s current top-ten-ranked sides since defeating Morocco 2-0 back in September 2012, which doesn’t bode well ahead of this clash or for their ambitions to progress from the AFCON group stage for the first time in history.
Players to watch: With 56 goals to his name, Salah sits in second spot on Egypt’s all-time scoring list, a tally helped by the fact that he scored six goals across nine internationals in 2023. As for Mozambique, they’ll be hoping that 40-year-old record cap holder Domingues Pelembé can aid them here as he’s provided two assists across his last five internationals.
Hot stat: Egypt scored two or more goals in seven of their 11 internationals in 2023.