Pharaohs Eye Unbeaten Run as Guinea-Bissau Seeks Redemption in Cairo Showdown
As the sun sets over Cairo this Sunday, October 12, 2025, the iconic Cairo International Stadium will play host to a FIFA World Cup Qualifier Group A encounter between Egypt and Guinea-Bissau. Kicking off at 7:00 PM GMT, this match carries different stakes for both nations. For the mighty Pharaohs, it’s a celebration lap—they’ve already emphatically punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing top spot in Group A with a game to spare. Their mission now? To complete an impeccable qualifying campaign, preserving their unbeaten record.
For Guinea-Bissau, the narrative is one of salvaging pride and building for the future. Their dreams of a maiden World Cup appearance have faded, leaving them in fourth position in the group. Can they upset the African giants on their home turf, or will Egypt’s blend of talent and momentum prove too formidable, even with key players rested? This fixture promises intrigue as the Djurtus aim to disrupt Egypt’s perfect run.
Head-to-Head: A Limited History
Encounters between Egypt and Guinea-Bissau have been rare, with just two previous official matches recorded.
- Total Matches Played: 2
- Egypt Wins: 1
- Guinea-Bissau Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
The most recent clash, the reverse fixture in the current World Cup qualifiers, ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. In that game, Guinea-Bissau took a surprise lead through Mama Balde, only for Mohamed Salah to snatch an equalizer for Egypt in the 70th minute. This result highlights Guinea-Bissau’s capacity to challenge, even if historical wins have eluded them.
Current Form & Team News
Egypt: Flying High Despite Absences
Egypt’s form heading into this match is nothing short of excellent. They boast an unbeaten record in the World Cup qualifiers, with 7 wins and 3 draws from their ten matches, clinching qualification with a commanding 3-0 victory over Djibouti in their last outing. The Pharaohs have demonstrated both defensive solidity, conceding only two goals, and potent attacking prowess, netting 19 goals in nine matches in the campaign.
However, coach Hossam Hassan faces a significant challenge with several key players unavailable. Star forward Mohamed Salah has been granted a rest after a demanding schedule with club and country. Midfield lynchpins Hamdy Fathy and Marwan Attia are suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Furthermore, a string of injuries sidelines Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Abdel Moneim, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Shehata, and Nabil Emad Dunga, forcing Hassan to delve into his squad depth. Despite these absences, the likes of Mahmoud Trezeguet and Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” are expected to provide attacking impetus, while veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy will anchor the defense.
Guinea-Bissau: Searching for Consistency
Guinea-Bissau’s qualification campaign has been a struggle for consistency, reflected in their overall record of 2 wins, 4 draws, and 3 defeats in the World Cup Qualifiers. They recently suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ethiopia, which further underscored their attacking difficulties. Prior to that loss, they had been unbeaten in three games, indicating some resilience, but scoring goals remains a significant concern.
Team news for the Djurtus includes the absence of Mama Balde, who scored against Egypt in the reverse fixture, due to a dead leg. New coach Emiliano Te, who took over from Luis Boa Morte in late August 2025, will be looking to instill a fresh approach and potentially test new players in this challenging away fixture. Key players like Manuel Baldé and Franculino Djú will be crucial for any attacking threat.
Tactical Preview
Egypt, under Hossam Hassan, is known for a balanced approach combining defensive discipline with potent attacking movements. They are expected to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Even with Salah rested and midfield absentees, Egypt possesses enough creative talent and goal-scoring threats to break down most defenses. Their strong defensive record suggests they will be hard to breach.
Guinea-Bissau, facing a superior opponent away from home, will likely adopt a more conservative, counter-attacking strategy. Their primary focus will be on frustrating Egypt’s offensive efforts and hoping to capitalize on any turnovers or set-pieces. The midfield battle will be crucial, as Guinea-Bissau will need to disrupt Egypt’s rhythm and prevent their creative players from finding space. The home advantage at Cairo International Stadium will undoubtedly provide an additional boost for the Pharaohs.
