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Egypt vs Congo DR Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews at AFCON. Egypt faces Congo DR in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, Sunday evening at Stade Laurent Pokou. Can they do it without Mo Salah? Read on for our free predictions and tips.
Africa Cup of Nations | Last 16 Round: – Jan 28, 2024 at 8pm UK at Laurent Pokou Stadium
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Egypt vs Congo DR Predictions
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The Battle of Resilience: Egypt vs Congo DR
Key Stats
– Both teams have drawn all their group stage matches, with goals scored in each of Egypt’s games.
– Congo DR’s defensive resilience is highlighted by only conceding two goals in the group stages.
The Africa Cup of Nations’ Round of 16 brings us an intriguing clash between Egypt and Congo DR at Stade Laurent Pokou. Both teams, having navigated the group stages without a single win, face a decisive encounter where strategies, resilience, and individual brilliance will all play crucial roles.
Egypt’s Road to the Knockouts
Egypt’s journey to the Round of 16 has been unconventional. The Pharaohs, a team historically dominant in AFCON, secured their place without winning any group match, drawing each game 2-2. The absence of Mohamed Salah due to injury is a significant blow, yet the team showed resilience, particularly in their match against Ghana, where they fought back twice. However, their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, conceding goals in crucial moments. This has been a recurring theme, with four of their last seven knockout matches in AFCON going to penalties.
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Congo DR’s Steady Progress
Congo DR’s path mirrors that of Egypt, with draws in all their group stage games. Despite their less flashy style, the team has shown tremendous resilience. Their lacklustre goal-scoring record, with just two goals in the group stages, raises questions about their attacking potency. However, the return of Cedric Bakambu to support Yoane Wissa in the attack could add the necessary spark. The team’s defensive discipline has been a saving grace, conceding just two goals in the group stages.
Tactical Analysis and Key Duels
- Midfield Dominance: The battle in midfield will be critical. Egypt’s Elneny must control the game’s tempo against Congo DR’s energetic midfield, led by Samuel Moutoussamy.
- Defensive Organisation: Both teams must tighten their defensive lines, especially during set-pieces, a department where both have shown vulnerability.
- Attacking Transition: With both sides struggling in attack, efficient transition from defence to attack will be vital. Congo DR, in particular, needs to exploit any gaps in the Egyptian defence.
Team Lineups and Implications
Egypt’s Expected Lineup: Gabal; Hany, Hegazy, Abdelmonem, Fotouh; Fathi, Attia, Elneny; Zizo, Mohamed, Marmoush
Congo DR’s Expected Lineup: Mpasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Batubinsika, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Silas, Kakuta, Bakambu; Wissa
Egypt will likely rely on Mostafa Mohamed for goals in Salah’s absence, while Congo DR’s Wissa and Bakambu will need to be sharp in attack. Egypt’s midfield trio, led by Elneny, must provide creative impetus, and their defence must stay organised against Congo DR’s potential counter-attacks.
Managerial Strengths and Weaknesses
Rui Vitoria’s Egypt has shown adaptability in attack but lacks defensive coherence, a critical aspect that needs addressing. Sebastien Desabre’s Congo DR displays solid defensive organisation but lacks inventiveness in the final third. Criticism falls on Vitoria for Egypt’s defensive lapses, which could be exploited by Congo DR.
Expected Goals (xG) Analysis
Egypt’s high xG indicates their effectiveness in creating scoring opportunities, but their high xGA (expected goals against) is a concern. Congo DR, with a lower xG, must find ways to increase their goal-scoring opportunities.
Predictions and Rationale
Prediction 1: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Rationale: Egypt has shown offensive capabilities even without Salah, and Congo DR has scored in two of their three group matches. Given both teams’ styles, it’s plausible both could find the net.
Prediction 2: Correct Score – Egypt 1-1 Congo DR
Rationale: Both teams have drawn all their group stage games with similar scorelines. A 1-1 draw reflects both teams’ recent form and their balanced but cautious approach to the game.
Prediction 3: Goalscorer – Mostafa Mohamed to Score
Rationale: Mohamed has been Egypt’s reliable scorer in Salah’s absence, netting goals in each group stage match. His form makes him a prime candidate to score again.
Prediction 4: First Half Result – Draw
Rationale: Both teams have shown a tendency to start games cautiously. A level scoreline at half-time is likely, considering their defensive strategies and recent form.
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