Cape Verde vs Egypt Prediction: The Pharaohs will advance to the knockout phase

Cape Verde, having won two consecutive games, are likely to rest some of their key players in their upcoming match against Egypt at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Monday. Egypt, on the other hand, needs to secure a win in order to have a chance at advancing to the next stage, while Cape Verde has already booked their spot in the knockout stage. It will be interesting to see how the two teams perform in this crucial match.

FIFA Ranking: 73th

For the second consecutive season, The Blue Sharks make it out of the group round with a game at hand. Cape Verde have been clinical in this competition, winning against Ghana and Mozambique. More recently, they ran riot against Mozambique, scoring three times to secure the maximum points. 

The result was after their commanding display against the Black Stars of Ghana. With an expected goal of (2.99) to their opponents (1.74), Cape Verde were more direct and deserved the maximum points. Although they have only played in two seasons in this tournament, Cape Verde have proven themselves to be a formidable force to be reckoned with. Cape Verde has also secured their place in the tournament for the second year running, finishing a solid second in their qualifying group. 

Bubista men will likely give rest to some players after their back-to-back wins as they sit at the top of the log.

Cape Verde's Likely Starting Lineup: Vozinha; Fernandes, Costa, Pico, Moreira; Pina, Duarte, Monteiro; Mendes, Cabral, Bebé

Key Player: Ryan Mendes

FIFA Ranking: 33th

For the second time in this competition, Egypt fought back for a share of the spoils. The Pharaohs have been below par since this tournament began, and with back-to-back stalemates, they must rewrite their wrongs here to stand a chance of advancing. The (2-2) tie started with Mohammed Kudus scoring for Ghana just before the break. The second half began with Egypt responding, the West Ham man got his second of the day while Mustafa Mohammed responded for the Pharaohs three minutes later. 

Coach Rui Vitoria and his comrades are yet to live up to their expectations in this tournament, but they could revive themselves against Cape Verde tomorrow. Egypt are the favourites going into the match, boasting a squad full of talent and experience; they will be looking to dominate possession and create chances in the attacking third.

Egypt Likely Starting Lineup: El Shenawy; Hany, Monem, Hegazy, Hamdi; Fathi, Zizo, Elneny; Fathy, Mohamed, Trezeguet

Key Player: Zizo

Egypt are in a dire straits having gone two games without a win, however, a victory over a talented Cape Verde side could fix it. This particular game is a do-or-die situation for the Pharaohs, and anything aside from the maximum points could halt their hope of advancing to the next round. On the opposing end, Cape Verde have done their homework as they became just one of the two sides to have made it to the knockout phase. They will play with confidence here, even though we think some of their key players will be rested. Egypt still remain an excellent side regardless of their position or performance, and we think they’ll win and score more than once. Losing Mohammed Salah might be a blessing in disguise for the Pharaohs, who have been overreliant on the Liverpool man for a long time. This tournament doesn't acknowledge world-class players, and I think Mohamed Fathy will fill his void perfectly.

Egypt's defence looks accessible, and we think Cape Verde could patronize them here; bet on BTTS for 2.43.

This encounter won’t be cagey as Egypt will come out to express themselves; bet on a total of over 2.5 goals for 2.26.

Good luck!