Cape Verde Islands vs Egypt Predictions

• Cape Verde have already qualified for the next round.
• Egypt have to win to guarantee progress,
• Egypt have scored exactly two goals in each of their last four games.

Win or bust for Egypt

Egypt went into AFCON as one of the favourites but they are in real danger of falling at the first hurdle ahead of their final group game against already-qualified Cape Verde on Monday.

Defeat would mean they would potentially have to rely on being one of the top ranked third placed teams, although a draw may be enough for second spot if Mozambique and Ghana also played out a stalemate.

The Pharaohs will also be without talisman Mo Salah for Monday’s game due to a hamstring injury. Officially he has been ruled out for two games, but it wouldn’t be a big surprise if his tournament was already over either.

Go for goals in key AFCON Group B tie

Egypt are the clear favourites to win and they should be able to get the job done against a Cape Verde outfit who can afford to ease off, as they have already guaranteed top spot in Group B.

As such, it is worth looking at other markets for our main bet and the odds-against prices on both teams to score and over 2.5 goals appeal, with preference going to the latter.

Egypt have drawn their two opening games 2-2 and they have scored at least twice in each of their last five games. The North Africans have scored in 17 consecutive fixtures and should be able to grab a few goals here, even without Salah, but surprise package Cape Verde are also capable of adding to the goals total.

The Blue Sharks may opt to rest a few players but they can approach this game with complete freedom as for them it is essentially a dead-rubber before the knockout rounds begin. There may be a bit of nervousness in the Egypt camp as they desperately bid to avoid an early exit, and attempt to cope without Salah, and as Cape Verde have hit five goals in two games they should be expected to at least score here.

Egypt have scored exactly twice in their last four games, so a 2-1 win for the Pharaohs looks a reasonable correct score prediction.

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