Facts -The Group G opener marks the competitive debut of Bob Bradley as Egypt manager. -The match is held at the Army Stadium, which for the first time ever hosts a competitive game for the Egypt first team. -Kenyan referee Sylvester Kirwa will be in charge of the game in Alexandria. -The match will be played behind closed doors upon the recommendation of FIFA and CAF, amid the political instability Egypt is witnessing. -Egypt met Mozambique three times, winning every game 2-0 en route to three Africa Cup of Nations triumphs in 1986, 1998 and 2010. -Egypt are unbeaten at home since June 2004 when the Didier-Drogba-inspired Ivory Coast won 2-1 in a 2006 World Cup qualifier in Alexandria. -German coach Gert Engels still maintains an unbeaten record in competitive matches with Mozambique since taking charge late in 2011. Quotes Egypt coach Bob Bradley "We are giving special importance to the Mozambique game as it's the team's first official World Cup qualifier. "The difficult circumstances Egypt is experiencing will make the players extra motivated. "Mozambique are a powerful team with many highly technical and talented players."
Bradley set for debut Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan "We all know Egypt has witnessed some unpleasant events recently and therefore we are determined to put a smile on the faces of Egyptian people by succeeding against Mozambique. "I think we've reached a high level of blending between young and experienced . "Other veteran players and I have been working with youngsters and I can say that they significantly progressed and will hopefully further improve." Mozambique coach Gert Engels “I think the team is very well-motivated. The players have been training with a lot of motivation, with a lot of fun. I think there has been good work. “I think the mental part will be very important. We are lowly, Egypt are above us, so I told the players if we want to win, we need to be mentally stronger than them. We need to move and be willing to work hard in the game.” Team news Egypt are likely to be without skipper Ahmed Hassan, who picked up a thigh injury in training this week. Defense star Wael Gomaa is out with a knee injury, while his replacement Adam El-Abd is still ineligible to make his Egypt bow. Goalie Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed pulled out of the squad for family reasons, leaving Essam Al-Hadari, Ahmed Al-Shennawi and Sherif Ekrami to vie for a place between the posts. Mozambique will be without promising defender Clesio due to suspension. Click here to know more about Mozambique
