Salah-led Pharaohs look to overpower Walia Ibex

Egypt will face off against Ethiopia in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification (Group A) match scheduled to be played at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.

Kick-off is at 9pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Pharaohs are undefeated in their last two matches across all competitions, having claimed a 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone in a Group A match on 25 March as they made it back-to-back victories.

Egypt are placed at the top of the Group A standings undefeated, which has them pick up 16 points from six matches and a win over Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso (9 September) would see the North African giants qualify for the finals.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia are also unbeaten in their last two matches across all competitions, having thrashed MLS side DC United 3-0 in a friendly match on 2 August and it was their second win in a row after overcoming Djibouti in a Group A clash on 24 March.

Walia Ibex are placed fourth in the Group A standings, having collected six points from six matches and a victory over Egypt would keep the East African side's hopes of qualifying alive with three games left.

TEAM NEWS

Egypt have been boosted by the arrival of their star forwards Mahmoud Marmoush and Mohamed Salah in their camp, but Yasser Ibrahim and Mohamed Abdelmonem will be absent due to their respective injuries.

Ethiopia, on the other hand, have included Bereket Desta in their latest squad, having grabbed a hat-trick in Walia Ibex's win over Djibouti earlier this year, but star forward Abubeker Nassir is sidelined by an injury.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan

"Winning Afcon after a long absence would be fantastic for this outstanding generation," Hassan said in a press conference.

"Reaching the World Cup and advancing would be even more special, showcasing the team’s performance and bringing joy to Egyptian fans."

Ethiopia coach Mesay Teferi

“We expect a tough encounter [against Egypt]. We are preparing for the tie. We have also prepared well. We shall see what the game holds when the match kicks off," Mesay Teferi told reporters.

"Playing in transition, using set pieces, and in possession of the ball, I think we are progressing. A change can’t come overnight, but through the process we can develop these strengths.”

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Egypt and Ethiopia have met 19 times across all competitions since their first-ever meeting in February 1957.

The Pharaohs have the upper hand in this rivalry, having won 13 matches compared to Walia Ibex's three victories, while three games ended in a draw.

The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 2-0 victory in favour of Egypt in the 2026 World Cup qualifier played in Morocco on 21 March.