Outright Odds

Egypt to win Africa Cup of Nations 2023 odds: Confirmed squad, tactics, ranking & form

By Mohamed Moallim

Published: 20:30, 11 January 2024

Egypt are seeking to win a record-extending eighth trophy at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Pharaohs, who last held Africa’s major continental prize in 2010, have been drawn into Group B alongside historic rivals Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique.

Egypt are 9/1 with Bet365 to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group Stage

FIXTURE STADIUM DATE
Egypt vs Mozambique Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium 14 January, 5pm (UK time)
Egypt vs Ghana Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium 18 January, 8pm (UK time)
Cape Verde vs Egypt Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium 22 January, 8pm (UK time)

Egypt tactical analysis & formation at the Africa Cup of Nations

Rui Vitória has taken charge of 14 games since becoming Egypt manager, winning 12 of those. The former Benfica tactician is steadfast to his beliefs with the Pharaohs lining up with one centre-forward supported by two wingers. Vitória has switched between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 — the latter opening up space for a deep-lying forward — though in their 6-0 rout over Djibouti last November his side lined up with two forwards.

Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Mohamed spearheaded an experimental 4-1-3-2 shape which saw Arsenal’s forgotten man Mohamed Elneny in a number 10 role and Marwan Attia of Al Ahly protecting a back-four. There’s every chance Vitória whips this system out against the unfancied Cape Verde and Mozambique but chances are Egypt will continue with their oft-relied shape.

Egypt players to watch at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt Africa Cup of Nations Golden Boot contenders – Mohamed Salah

There’s perhaps no bigger African star right now than Mohamed Salah. The weight of a nation used to winning this competition, especially in recent generations, rests on his shoulders. Salah, whose credentials speak for themselves, previously took part in three competitions helping Egypt reach two finals: losing against Cameroon (2017) and Senegal (2022), the latter on penalties. All six of his AFCON goals have been spread across those editions with two coming in a knockout scenario.

Yet to win this Golden Boot, the Liverpool forward is the favourite at 7/1 with bet365 to put it right.

Egypt player to watch – Omar Marmoush

To say Vitória’s squad is experienced would be an understatement. Of the 27 players selected only three are under 25 with Omar Marmoush the most notable. Marmoush is also one of six players — including Premier League duo Salah and Elneny — plying his trade in Europe. The 24-year-old forward has been a fixture in German football since leaving boyhood club Wadi Degla for Wolfsburg in 2017.

Time spent at the Volkswagen Arena was followed by loan spells at St. Pauli and VfB Stuttgart, respectively, before joining Eintracht Frankfurt last summer. He’s settled in well, scoring seven goals across 15 league appearances. “He works extremely hard and is hard to defend against,” Frankfurt head coach Dino Toppmöller recently said.

“His pace makes him an akward opponent for defenders when he runs in behind them. I like that he is very diligent and always listens. His goals are a reward for his effort.”

Confirmed Egypt Africa Cup of Nations squad

PLAYER NAME POSITION AGE CLUB
Mohamed El Shenawy Goalkeeper 35 Al Ahly
Ahmed El Shenawy Goalkeeper 32 Pyramids
Gabaski Goalkeeper 34 National Bank of Egypt
Mohamed Sobhy Goalkeeper 24 Zamalek
Ahmed Hegazi Defender 32 Al-Ittihad
Ali Gabr Defender 35 Pyramids
Ahmed Abou El Fotouh Defender 25 Zamalek
Mohamed Abdelmonem Defender 24 Al Ahly
Omar Kamal Defender 30 Future
Mohamed Hany Defender 27 Al Ahly
Mohamed Hamdy Defender 28 Pyramids
Yasser Ibrahim Defender 30 Al Ahly
Ahmed Samy Defender 31 Pyramids
Mohamed Elneny Midfielder 31 Arsenal
Trézéguet Midfielder 29 Trabzonspor
Zizo Midfielder 28 Zamalek
Hamdy Fathy Midfielder 29 Al-Wakrah
Emam Ashour Midfielder 25 Al Ahly
Mahmoud Hamada Midfielder 30 Al Masry
Marwan Attia Midfielder 25 Al Ahly
Mohanad Lasheen Midfielder 27 Pyramids
Mohamed Salah Forward 31 Liverpool
Koka Forward 30 Pendikspor
Kahraba Forward 29 Al Ahly
Mostafa Mohamed Forward 26 Nantes
Mostafa Fathi Forward 29 Pyramids
Omar Marmoush Forward 24 Eintracht Frankfurt

Where are Egypt in the FIFA world rankings?

Egypt are currently 33rd in the FIFA world rankings with Ecuador ahead of them and Serbia behind.

Who is the Egypt manager?

Rui Vitória was named Egypt manager in July 2022, replacing Ehab Galal.

Who is the current Egypt captain?

Mohamed Salah is the Egypt captain, he was first handed the armband in September 2019.

How many times have Egypt won the Africa Cup of Nations?

Egypt are the record Africa Cup of Nations winners, lifting the trophy seven times (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010).

How many times have Egypt competed in the Africa Cup of Nations?

Making their first appearance in 1957, the inaugural competition, Egypt have been involved in 26 Africa Cup of Nations including the 2023 edition.

Who has scored Egypt’s most goals in Africa Cup of Nations tournaments?

Hassan El-Shazly is Egypt’s top scorer at Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, netting 12 goals between 1963 and 1974.

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