Story by Anashe Murombedzi
EGYPT will carry Africa’s hopes into Monday evening’s FIFA World Cup action when they face Belgium in their Group G opener at Lumen Field, aiming to build on Côte d’Ivoire’s historic victory and strengthen the continent’s presence at the tournament.
The Pharaohs enter the match determined to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history and know that a positive result against one of Europe’s strongest sides could provide a crucial platform for their campaign.
Belgium arrive as favourites, boasting an impressive run of form that has seen them remain unbeaten in their last five matches, scoring 15 goals while conceding only twice.
The Red Devils will look to their experienced core, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and winger Jeremy Doku, to drive their challenge in a group that also features Iran and New Zealand.
For Egypt, much of the spotlight will fall on captain Mohamed Salah, whose leadership and attacking quality are expected to be key against the highly rated Belgians.
The encounter is set to provide a contrast in styles, with Belgium’s possession-based attacking approach coming up against Egypt’s disciplined defensive organisation and counter-attacking threat.
Both sides are aware of the importance of making a winning start in what is expected to be a competitive Group G campaign.
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia face Uruguay in a Group H fixture at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia at midnight, before Iran take on New Zealand in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
African attention will then shift to another heavyweight encounter on Tuesday evening when Senegal face 2018 world champions France in a Group I clash at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Lions of Teranga will be hoping to follow Côte d’Ivoire’s lead and underline Africa’s growing competitiveness on football’s biggest stage.
