Egypt - Angola

Mohamed Salah remains the focal point for Egypt as they prepare to host Angola on 25 September 2026 for this Africa Cup of Nations qualification matchday 1 encounter. The forward continues to be the primary creative force for his side, tasked with unlocking defenses in high-stakes continental fixtures. Egypt will look to establish early momentum in Group B, aiming to translate their attacking intent into a decisive result against a familiar opponent.

Angola arrives for this opening fixture after previously demonstrating defensive resilience against the hosts, notably holding them to a 0-0 draw during their Africa Cup of Nations Group B meeting on 29 December 2025. Their recent history against Egypt also includes a hard-fought 2-2 draw in the World Cup qualification group stage back in November 2021. This contest will likely hinge on whether Angola can maintain that disciplined structure while finding the clinical edge required to overcome a formidable Egyptian side.