Egypt began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Cape Verde on Friday at the Cairo International Stadium.
Rami Rabia opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, nodding in Ahmed ‘Zizo’ El Sayed’s cross. Omar Marmoush doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, slotting home from close range after being set up by Mohamed Salah. Ibrahim Adel sealed the win with a 70th-minute strike, extinguishing any hopes of a Cape Verde comeback.
Coach Hossam Hassan set out his stall early, fielding an attacking lineup featuring Salah, Mostafa Mohamed, Marmoush, Mahmoud Trezeguet and Zizo.
Despite controlling possession, Egypt created their first real chance only in the 21st minute when Marmoush’s close-range effort was deflected for a corner. The breakthrough came moments later as Rabia rose highest to meet Zizo’s delivery.
The hosts continued to press, with Marmoush seeing another powerful shot deflected wide and Mostafa Mohamed twice denied by the Cape Verde keeper.
As the visitors pushed forward late in the first half, Salah found Marmoush in space, allowing the forward to double Egypt’s lead just before the interval.
The Pharaohs adopted a more cautious approach after the break, ceding possession at times. Cape Verde’s Gilson Benchimol fired into the side netting, while Duarte’s long-range attempt was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shennawy.
Hassan introduced Ibrahim Adel and Mostafa Fathy to regain control, a move that paid dividends when the pair combined on a counter-attack for Adel to score his first international goal from close range.
Egypt now face Botswana away on Tuesday, but Hassan will be concerned about the fitness of Mostafa Mohamed and Rabia, both of whom left the pitch due to injury.
