The Djibouti vs Egypt showdown is set for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, a neutral venue adopted by Djibouti. This CAF Group A clash marks Matchday 9 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, where the group leaders Egypt need only a draw to secure their spot in the next round. The Pharaohs remain unbeaten so far, recently staying on the brink of qualification, while Djibouti, currently sitting at the bottom of the table, are seeking pride and an upset.
All eyes will again be on Mohamed Salah, who continues to inspire Egypt’s campaign after being crowned PFA Men’s Player of the Year for a record third time. The Liverpool forward has been directly involved in ten goals (7 goals, 3 assists) in eight qualifiers, setting the tone for a dominant side that hasn’t lost since the qualifiers began. For Djibouti, this fixture is more about spirit than statistics, but they will hope to make a statement against one of Africa’s powerhouses.
Team News
Egypt lead Group A with 16 points (6 wins, 2 draws) and will once again trust their experienced core. However, they might be without Mohamed Abdelmonem, Omar Marmoush, and Mohamed Shehata, all sidelined through injury. Coach Hossam Hassan is likely to keep faith with the attacking trio of Salah, Trezeguet, and Zizo, supported by a disciplined midfield and a strong defensive line led by El Shenawy in goal.
Djibouti, on the other hand, remain bottom with just 1 point (1 draw, 7 defeats). They have no injury concerns and will field their strongest side. Moussa Wais, their standout attacker, is expected to lead the line once again as the team looks to frustrate Egypt and catch them on the counter.
Possible Lineups
Djibouti: Mohamed; Abdi, Idris, Kaireh, Osman, Idriss; Gohar, Aden Djama, Wais, Mahamed, Youssouf.
Egypt: El-Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Sobhi, Hamdy; Zizo, Fathy, Lasheen; Salah, Mohamed, Trezeguet
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Egypt have dominated all three previous meetings, winning each and scoring 14 goals without conceding, including a 6–0 victory in their last encounter. With Salah in sensational form and the Pharaohs determined to seal qualification in style, another commanding performance looks likely.
Djibouti’s resilience and defensive setup might delay the inevitable, but Egypt’s quality should eventually shine through. Expect relentless pressure, sharp movement, and Salah once again at the heart of everything good for Egypt.
A video posted on the Egyptian’s official X account shows training drills, team huddles, airport embraces, and boarding scenes, emphasising unity under coach Rui Vitoria amid Mohamed Salah’s push for better scoring form after a slow Liverpool start.
Watch video below:
Predicted Score: Djibouti 0–4 Egypt
The Pharaohs are tipped to cruise past Djibouti, extend their unbeaten run, and officially punch their ticket to the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
