World Cup Qualifying - Africa | Group Stage

Mar 25, 2025 at 7pm UK

Cairo International Stadium

Egypt vs Sierra Leone

Match preview

Hossam Hassan's side moved a step closer to their first World Cup appearance since 2018, bouncing back from a draw against Guinea-Bissau last June with a dominant performance against Ethiopia.

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 31st minute before setting up Ahmed Sayed nine minutes later, but a wasteful second half prevented them from adding to their tally.

While Salah stole the show with his sixth goal - the most by any player this campaign - Trezeguet endured a frustrating outing despite having a couple of good chances to add to his tally of five.

However, the former Aston Villa man will be hoping for better luck against Sierra Leone on Tuesday, having scored both goals in the 2-0 win in the reverse fixture.

Egypt's success has been built on dominance at both ends of the park, scoring 13 times - the joint most in qualifying - while conceding just twice, making them the most difficult side to break down in the group.

Sierra Leone, meanwhile, have shown resilience throughout their campaign, shaking off a slow start that saw them fail to win their opening two games in November 2023 to turn their fortunes around with a series of strong results to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Like their hosts, the Leone Stars go into the game on the back of a 3-1 win over Guinea-Bissau, a dream start for Mohamed Kallon in his first game in charge, and their second win in three matches.

The legendary ex-striker, who took over as head coach in February, saw his side take advantage of defensive lapses to take control, with captain Mustapha Bundu firing them ahead in the 19th minute before Musa Noah Kamara doubled the lead on the hour mark, although a response from the visitors seven minutes later created a brief nervousness before Ibrahim Turray struck in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt.

The win lifted Kallon's side to third on eight points from two wins, two draws and one defeat, five behind Egypt and only behind second-placed Burkina Faso on goal difference.

Sierra Leone's upturn in form has been fuelled by an attacking resurgence, with all seven of their goals coming in their last three games, and they will look to build on that momentum on Tuesday as they look to close the gap at the top.

Recent Performance

Egypt World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:WDW

Egypt form (all competitions):WWWDDW

Sierra Leone World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:WDW

Sierra Leone form (all competitions):LLWDLW

Team News

Egypt coach Hassan is expected to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that worked so well against Ethiopia, with Omah Mamoush, Osama Faisal and Salah leading the attack.

The latter's goal last time out took his international tally to 61, leaving him just eight behind the all-time leading scorer, who happens to be his current coach.

Like Egypt, Sierra Leone's record goalscorer Kallon, who netted eight times before retiring in 2012, will be on the sidelines and the head coach is likely to stick with the side that saw off Guinea-Bissau, with Kamara and Bundu likely to continue their strike partnership after their productive outing.

Turray, who made an impact off the bench in a 12-minute cameo last time out, will be pushing for a starting role in midfield as the visitors look to build on their recent momentum.

Possible starting lineup

Egypt possible starting lineup:

El Shenawy; Trezeguet, Abdelmonem, Rabia, Hani; Attia, Sayed, Fathy; Marmoush, Faisal, Salah

Sierra Leone possible starting lineup:

Sesay; Jalloh, Turay, Bah, Tarawallie; Bangura, Koroma, Dumbuya, Fomah; N. Kamara, Bundu