In one of the most picturesque friendlies this spring, New Zealand will travel to Cairo to face off against Egypt. Match will begin on Friday, March 22, at 9 PM CET.
Egypt
One of the most successful teams in African football did not make it to Qatar to the World Cup 2022, as Egypt lost to Senegal in a penalty shootout in Dakar.
Starting a new cycle with back-to-back victories over Djibouti and Sierra Leone has sweetened the pill, but the January trip to the CAF Cup of Nations poured salt into the wounds again. Egypt barely advanced to the playoffs, after going “2-2” against Cape Verde, Ghana and Mozambique, but then lost in yet another penalty shootout, this time to the eventual semifinalists from Congo DR.
New Zealand
Aotearoa New Zealand did not qualify for the World Cup, as they lost in a qualifying match to Costa Rica, but the Kiwis still remain as the best team in Oceania, since Australia has left the region.
In nearly two years after a loss to the Central American squad, New Zealand won only once in the international friendlies, taking down China “2-1”, but lost to the likes of Greece, Australia and Sweden. The only clash with an African team happened in October, when New Zealand needed an injury time goal to snatch a “1-1” draw against Congo DR in Murcia, as now they will travel to Cairo.
Prediction ⚽️
Egypt and New Zealand have not faced each other since 1999, when teams played twice in Mexico in a span of five days, with the latter winning in Guadalajara but both splitting a “1-1” draw in Mexico City.
This time, however, the hosts will be the favorites, as we will side with Egypt to secure a home victory to prepare for the next World Cup cycle.