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