In the first of their mouth-watering 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header, Egypt welcome Malawi to Cairo’s 30 June Stadium on Friday.

With all four teams in Group D tied on three points, both sides will head into the weekend looking to get into the catbird seat as they look to secure their spot in Ivory Coast.

Having missed out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the goal for Egypt will be to secure their place in the 2023 AFCON and make it a record-extending 26th participation in the continental showpiece.

The Pharaohs saw their World Cup dreams dashed by a bogey Senegal side who clinched the qualification ticket courtesy of a 3-1 win on penalties after a 1-1 draw over the two legs of the playoffs.

This was a second bitter taste of “what could have been” for Rui Vitoria’s men, who also suffered a penalty-shootout defeat to Senegal in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations final in Cameroon last February

Egypt Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

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Egypt form (all competitions):

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Malawi Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

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Malawi form (all competitions):

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Egypt possible starting lineup:

Gabal; Gaber, Hamdi, Ashraf; Ashour, Afsha, El-Solia, Fathi; Salah, Mohamed, Zizo

Malawi possible starting lineup:

Thom; Sanudi, Chaziya, Chembezi, Chirwa; Idana, Banda, Madinga; Davie, Mhone, Msowoya

Egypt 2-0 Malawi

Even overlooking their home advantage, Egypt head into the weekend on a fine run of form, giving them an extra edge. Malawi must pull one out of the hat if they hope to cause an upset, but we see the hosts prevailing in what should be a thrilling affair.