Egypt boss Hassan Shehata is likely to make “three or four changes” to his line-up for their Group C game against Benin.
With the Pharaohs having already secured their place in the quarter-finals, the coach is now trying to conclude the opening stages without any major fuss as he looks to lead his side to a record third straight continental crown.
The Table update Jan 20th 2009
After being handed a minor scare in the opening game when they fell behind to Nigeria, the north Africans bounced back to secure a 3-1 win and have not looked back since with a 2-0 victory over Mozambique in their second game.
It gives Shehata an opportunity to bring in new faces, with goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari one of those unlikely to feature.
He said: “A few players will get their chances against Benin. We will probably make three or four changes.
“Essam Al-Hadari will likely be rested. Either Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed or Mahmoud Aboul-Saoud could get the nod.”
Another talking point in the build-up has been the discipline of striker Mohamed Zidan, who reacted angrily after being substituted against the Beninese.
But his boss has played down the incident, saying: “Zidan felt that he wasn’t playing well – that’s why he was upset. It wasn’t because of the substitution.
“A fine would be enough in this case, but we will not announce it in order to end the problem.”
The Borussia Dortmund forward may not be available tomorrow due to a stomach bug.
Squirrels boss Michel Dussuyer, whose side must win and hope the Nigerians lose to Mozambique, is not prepared to throw in the towel just yet.
The Frenchman will be without star playmaker Stephane Sessegnon, suspended after picking up two yellow cards, but has confidence in the rest of his players.
He said: “We have not given up yet because we still have a match to play and if we get the results we wish for, we could still remain in the tournament.
“We will fight till the end.”
