LIVE: TOGO v EGYPT | 2022 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
11:00 ET Canada-USA | 18:00 Cairo Local Time
Venue: Stade de Kégué, Lomé
An away win for Egypt over Togo in the second of a doubleheader on Tuesday would put the record seven-time African Champions in pole position to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.
The Pharaohs ended their winless start to their Group G campaign by beating Togo 1-0 on Saturday, thanks to a second-half header from defender Mahmoud Hamdi on only his third international appearance.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”outbrain-in-article”]They are second in the group with five points, three behind surprise package Comoros and two clear of third-placed Kenya. Togo have a solitary point from three matches.
Should Egypt defeat Togo again in Lome, they will go level on points with Comoros and open up a five-point lead over Kenya with only two matches remaining. The top two in the group will reach the Cameroon finals.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”In-article-Ad”]Despite Egypt’s victory over Togo, question marks were raised following a sluggish display that had fans wondering whether the team could mount a serious title challenge if they reached the Nations Cup.
The hosts appeared greatly affected by the absence of talisman Mohamed Salah, who tested positive for COVID-19 just one day before the game. The Liverpool star will not be available again in the away fixture as he self-isolates.
“People should bear in mind that we are going through difficult circumstances,” Egypt coach Hossam El-Badry said following the win over Togo.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”In-article-Ad”]“We haven’t been able to assemble for almost a year so it’s very difficult to find the needed harmony right away.”
The Egyptian Football Association has announced that Arsenal and national team midfielder Mohamed Elneny tested positive for COVID-19 after receiving the results of the PCR tests the team took after their arrival in Togo.
Egypt will also have to do without right-back Mohamed Hani, who picked up a knee injury in the weekend game. Pyramids’ versatile midfielder Ahmed Tawfik is expected to deputize for him.
