Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
All eyes will be on Cairo International Stadium when Egypt and Senegal go head to head in the Africa World Cup playoffs, first leg. The Pharaohs are hungry for revenge as they were beaten by Sadio Mane and Co. in the AFCON 2022 final, and the good news for the hosts is that Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah has overcome his injury. The Lions of Teranga, on the other hand, proved their worth at the showpiece tournament in Cameroon, with the team winning their first Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
Aliou Cisse’s troops continue to rely on Sadio Mane, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaila Sarr, and Edouard Mendy making the cut as well. Anyhow, we are tempted to put our money on draw as the two teams seem to be evenly matched ahead of Friday’s showdown. Keep in mind that under 2.5 goals have been netted in nine of their last ten meetings in all competitions.
Highlighted Player (Mohamed Salah):
Mohamed Salah is considered one of the best African players. Salah began his senior career at El Mokawloon, scoring 11 goals in 41 league appearances for the club and in 2012 he moved to Europe, signing a four-year deal with Swiss side Basel.
The pacey winger, who is capable of playing as a striker as well was producing outstanding displays for the RotBlau from 2012 to 2014 and, as a result, Chelsea chiefs decided to sign him on 26 January, 2015 for a fee of £11 million. Mohamed Salah, though, failed to impress in the Premier league and one year later he was sent on loan to Fiorentina.
After making 16 league appearances for the Viola in the Serie A, the left-footed winger signed a loan deal with Roma on 6 August, 2015. The Romans made the contract permanent on 3 August, 2016. Speaking of his international career, Salah made his Egypt debut on 3 September, 2011 in a 2-1 loss to Sierra Leone. It has to be noted that he was named Roma’s player of the season (2015/2016).
Highlighted Team (Senegal):
The Senegaesel national football team made their first appearance at Africa Cup of Nations back in 1965, with the team finishing the tournament in fourth place. The Lions of Teranga booked their place at the FIFA World Cup finals in 2002 (for the first time) and they did remarkably well to make it to the quarter-finals of the showpiece tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Senegal defeated Sweden in the last 16, with Henri Camara scoring the winner for the African team in the extra time. The Lions of Teranga have yet to win the African Cup of Nations, but they made it to the final of the tournament in 2002. Senegal faced Cameroon in the title game and they were more than unfortunate to lose the Africa Cup of Nations final on penalties.
Former Liverpool ace El Hadji Diouf is probably the most famous footballer who played for the Senegalese national team. Senegal play their home games at Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor and the capacity of the venue is 60,000.