Football is one of the most popular games in the world, with supporters from all over the world, particularly in Egypt, where football enthusiasts have banded together to support their national team. With the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar fast approaching, qualification is in full swing to determine which teams will compete in this iconic competition that draws fans from all around the world.
Egypt and Senegal will meet in the World Cup qualifiers for the first time in more than 20 years. The first round of this qualification, which began in Sept. 2019, featured the 28 lowest-ranked teams in the FIFA World Rankings, with 14 of these teams qualifying for the second round. The remaining 40 teams were divided into 10 groups of four teams in the second round; with only the group winners advancing to the final round. Egypt was placed in Group F alongside Libya, Angola, and Gabon, and the three teams were no match for the pharaohs, who topped the group with 14 points, seven more than Gabon in second place.
Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, both of Liverpool, will face off in a battle unlike any other. The two footballers are good friends who play for the same Liverpool squad in the English Premier League. They shared a lot of trophies, including the Champions League title, which they won in a thrilling final against Tottenham Hotspurs. Furthermore, the two are no strangers to goal-scoring trophies and Man-of-the-Match awards, which they have both won multiple times after putting on outstanding displays. Thus, the match will include those two stars leading their national teams, and there will undoubtedly be many goals!
Both teams have a strong rivalry, having played each other in a total of 13 matches, with Egypt winning seven and losing four times. During their head-to-head matches, both teams drew twice and scored a total of 12 goals. On March 24, Egypt will host Senegal in the first leg, with the second leg following five days later. In Russia four years ago, both teams were eliminated in the group stage. This time, the Pharaohs are aiming for their fourth World Cup appearance, while Senegal is aiming for its third.
The national squad has been putting on a spectacular show as they work towards their ultimate aim of qualifying for the World Cup, getting past the group stage, and dazzling the world with their distinct and experienced style of play.
