Egypt winger Mohamed Salah trying to control the ball during the 2-1 win over Burkina Faso in the African 2026 World Cup qualifiers (Photo: Al-Ahram)
The game will be played in Morocco, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not accredited Ethiopia's stadiums.
The Pharaohs are looking to get a step closer to reaching their fourth ever World Cup.
A win for Egypt would extend their lead at the group's top and maintain their unbeaten run in the qualifiers. Ethiopia, however, will be desperate for a victory to keep their hopes alive.
The Pharaohs lead Group A with 10 points, two ahead of second-placed Sierra Leone while Ethiopia are fifth with only three points. Hossam Hassan included 24 men for the games against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone and if they secure the six points they will celebrate their qualification to the American edition.
Hassan will rely on the attacking prowess of talisman Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, who is one of they shinings at Manchester City.
"The presence of Salah and Marmoush in top clubs strengthens the national team. They will face pressure in AFCON, but they are experienced and capable of handling it. Marmoush has worked hard in Europe and earned his move to one of the biggest clubs," Hassan said during an interview with Reuters on Thursday.
On the other side, Ethiopia's coach Mesay Teferi aknowledged the threat posed but the duo but said his team must be cautious against all the players. "We are not solely focused on these two. Egypt’s quality is evident across all positions, particularly in attack," he said during a presser on Wednesday.
The two teams have met 17 times, with Egypt winning 12 and drawing two and Ethiopia claiming three victories.
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