The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Friday night as hosts Egypt take on Zimbabwe at the Cairo International Stadium in a Group A clash.

Playing in front of 80,000 crowd in the Cairo Stadium will play a major factor as the Pharaohs go all out in search for their eighth continental crown.

Despite being the host for the tournament, Egypt played in the qualifications finishing second behind Tunisia in group J.

Javier Aguirre’s side will be depending on the reliable Mohammed Salah and his experience captain El Mohammedy to overcome the Warriors.

Meanwhile Zimbabwe head coach Sunday Chidzambwa has already conceded the host as favorite but vowed to do well and get the best possible results for his team.

“We know how strong Egypt are especially when they play at home and the fans on their side supporting them throughout the competition,”

“Now that we are in the AFCON group stages, we will work hard to get the best possible results in all our games,” he noted.

Egypt must be wary of the threat posed by Kaizer chief attacker Khama Billiat and the experienced Knowledge Musonda.

Billiat scored three in six games to help Zimbabwe to make a back to back AFCON appearance for the first time in the history of the country.

This game will be their ninth meeting.

In eight previous clashes with Zimbabwe, Egypt have recorded five wins, two draws and one defeat, the loss coming way back in 1992.

Probable line up Egypt.

El Shanawy; Elmohamady, Alaa, Hegazi, Ahsraf; Hamed, Elneny; Salah, Warda, Hassan; Mohsen

Probable

Zimbabwe’s starting line up

Sibanda; Darikwa, Lunga, Mudimu, Hadebe; Munetsi, Nakamba, Karuru, Musona, Billiat;
Mushekwi.