World Cup Qualifying - Africa | Group Stage

Mar 21, 2025 at 9pm UK

Stade Larbi Zaouli

Ethiopia vs Egypt

Match preview

Egypt return to action for the first time this year and will be looking to build on their World Cup qualifying campaign, which saw them top Group A with 10 points from three wins and a draw.

The Pharaohs began their journey in emphatic fashion, thrashing Djibouti 6-0 in November 2023 before a 2-0 win over Sierra Leone three days later gave them confidence heading into the African Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire.

However, their AFCON campaign fell short of expectations as the record holders were knocked out on penalties by DR Congo in the round of 16, a disappointment that led to the sacking of former coach Rui Vitoria.

Egypt resumed their qualifying campaign under Hossam Hassan, who led them to victory over Burkina Faso in his first game in charge, before being held to a 1-1 draw by Guinea-Bissau.

Since their last World Cup qualifier in June, the Pharaohs have played eight matches, winning their first four before going on a four-match winless streak.

The first six of those matches were played in the AFCON qualifiers, where Egypt topped their group with 14 points from four wins and two draws to book their place at the tournament in Morocco.

Their last two outings were in the African Nations Championship qualifiers, where they were beaten 4-2 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in South Africa and a shock 3-1 defeat in the return leg on home soil.

Four points clear of second-placed Guinea-Bissau in their World Cup qualifying group, Hassan's men will be keen to extend their lead at the top of the standings with a win on Friday, although they will face a tricky test against a side who emerged victorious in their only previous meeting outside Egypt.

Meanwhile, Mesay Teferi's Ethiopia will be looking to salvage something from a string of disappointing campaigns that saw them miss out on the continent's biggest tournament in Morocco and fail to qualify for the 2024 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Teferi took charge ahead of the last two AFCON qualifiers, but despite his appointment, the Walias finished bottom of Group H, a setback that was followed by another underwhelming performance in the CHAN qualifiers, where they were eliminated after a 4-1 aggregate defeat to Sudan.

Ethiopia's World Cup qualifying campaign has also been far from ideal, as they are winless in four matches and have drawn just three.

The Walias opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Sierra Leone before suffering a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Burkina Faso, followed by two more stalemates against Guinea-Bissau (0-0) and Djibouti (1-1) in the June 2024 double-header.

That leaves the East Africans fifth on three points, two clear of bottom side Djibouti and seven adrift of the summit, making Friday's game crucial if they are to keep alive their hopes of reaching their first World Cup.

Recent Performance

Ethiopia World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:DD

Ethiopia form (all competitions):DLLLLW

Egypt World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:WD

Egypt form (all competitions):WWWWDD

Team News

Teferi has named four newcomers to the Ethiopian squad for the double-header against Egypt and Djibouti, while Habtamu Tekeste returns to the fold after a four-year absence.

A total of 24 players have been called up, with defenders Woldeamanuel Getu and Abduselam Yusuf and strikers Ahmed Hussien and Mohammed Abera making their first appearances, while Abubeker Nassir remains the only foreign-based player in the squad.

Egypt's squad for the games against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone retains a familiar look, although Egyptian Premier League top scorer Emam Ashour has been omitted, while goalkeeper Abdelaziz El Balouti earns his first call-up.

The presence of Mohamed Salah is undeniable, with the Liverpool star in fine form for his club and expected to lead the charge on Friday as he looks to add to his five-goal haul - tied with teammate Mahmoud Trezeguet for the most in the qualifiers.

Manchester City's January signing Omar Marmoush has also been included in the squad and should play a key role after a productive outing for the Cityzens, where he found the back of the net last weekend.

Possible starting lineup

Ethiopia possible starting lineup:

Habtamu; James, Tunjo, Bekele, Kassa; Markos; Yohannes, Tekeste, Worku, Gezahegn; Gugsa

Egypt possible starting lineup:

Shobeir; Eid, Sobhi, Rabia, Hani; Attia, Fathy; Marmoush, Trezeguet, Salah; Faisal