Egypt hopes for a strong start against Angola

Egypt’s national team will begin its campaign in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, to be held in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, when it hosts Angola on Friday in the first round of Group 2.

The “Pharaohs” hope to start strongly on their path to reclaiming the continental title and reinforcing their record of seven championships.

The Egyptian team enters the match with a relative advantage over its opponent, given its recent results and its strong head-to-head record against Angola, having not lost in their previous eight encounters with the “Black Antelopes.”

Egypt finished fourth in the last edition of the continental tournament after losing to Senegal in the semifinals, before falling to Nigeria on penalties in the third-place playoff.

The “Pharaohs” subsequently posted relatively positive results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advancing to the Round of 16 after finishing second in their group behind Belgium on goal difference. They then delivered a strong performance against Argentina, leading 2-0 in that controversial match before ultimately losing 2-3 to exit the tournament, leaving a positive impression.

Meanwhile, the Angolan team is seeking a positive result to gain an early boost in the qualifiers. Angola has participated in the continental finals on nine occasions since its debut in 1996 and hopes to qualify for the tournament for the third consecutive time.

Angola failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it enters the match unbeaten in its last four games, having recorded one win and three draws.

In other key matches on Friday, Morocco will face Gabon in Group 1, Algeria will play Zambia in Group 9, and Senegal will take on Mozambique in Group 10.