Egypt, Botswana to Clash in 2023 AFCON Qualifiers
Home Side Aiming for Revenge, Visitors Hope to Upset Pharaohs
Match Preview
Egypt and Botswana will face off in a crucial 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Sunday, June 5, 2023, at the Cairo International Stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 local time.
Egypt will be eager for revenge after losing 1-0 to Botswana in the reverse fixture in March 2022. The Pharaohs, seven-time AFCON champions, will be keen to maintain their perfect record in the qualifiers, having won both their previous encounters.
Botswana, ranked 147th in the FIFA World Rankings, will be hoping to pull off another upset against Egypt. The Zebras, who have never qualified for the AFCON finals, will be aiming to make a statement in Cairo.
Head-to-Head Record
Egypt and Botswana have met twice before, with both matches taking place in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers. Egypt won the first meeting 2-1 in Cairo in November 2021, while Botswana won the return fixture 1-0 in Gaborone in March 2022.
Key Players
Egypt: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal), Ahmed Hegazy (Al-Ittihad Jeddah) Botswana: Kabelo Seakanyeng (Sekhukhune United), Thero Setsile (Orapa United), Mogakolodi Ngele (Prisons XI)Prediction
Egypt will be the clear favorites going into the match, but Botswana have shown that they are capable of causing an upset. The Pharaohs will be keen to avenge their defeat in Gaborone and will be looking to Mohamed Salah for inspiration. However, Botswana will be determined to make a statement and will be hoping to hold Egypt to a draw or even a victory.
Overall, Egypt will be expected to win the match, but Botswana will be hoping to pull off another upset. The match is likely to be close and could go either way.
