Record continental champions Egypt begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Zimbabwe at Stade Adrar on Monday.
The seven-time winners are favourites to top Group B, which also includes South Africa and Angola, and will aim to start strongly against opponents sitting 95 places below them in the FIFA rankings.
Ranked 34th globally and third in Africa, the Pharaohs progressed through AFCON qualifying unbeaten with four victories and two draws, while also sealing 2026 World Cup qualification after winning eight of 10 matches without defeat.
Momentum has dipped since those qualifiers, however, with Egypt recording just one win inside ninety minutes across their last six outings in all competitions.
A stronger showing is expected in Morocco after a disappointing previous tournament that ended in the round of 16, as Egypt chase a first continental crown since 2010.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe arrive with a far more modest pedigree, having never advanced beyond the group stage in five previous appearances at this competition.
This sixth campaign offers renewed hope, though recent performances leave questions after just one win from their last seven matches across all competitions, though that lone success did come last time out, giving the Warriors belief ahead of Monday’s opener.
How the bookies view it: Odds too short for the Pharaohs?
Given Egypt enter without convincing momentum, their 8/25 odds appear tight, though historical dominance and squad quality clearly influenced the pricing.
A draw at 7/2 and a 10/1 Zimbabwe success further suggest bookmakers see little room for a surprise outcome.
Recent head-to-head: Pharaohs' dominance
Egypt have won each of the last five meetings between the sides, including a narrow 1-0 group-stage victory at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Players to watch: AFCON escape for Salah
Mohamed Salah arrives after turbulent weeks marked by tension at Liverpool and off-field distractions, making this tournament an opportunity for renewal. At 33, the forward may also view this edition as a final realistic chance to lift a long-elusive continental title.
For Zimbabwe, Wolves youngster Tawanda Chirewa stands out after scoring three international goals, each coming either early or late in matches.
Probable lineups
Neither camp have fresh injury concerns, though Zimbabwe will be without Wolverhampton midfielder Marshall Munetsi due to injury.
Egypt: El Shenawy; Hany, Yasser, Hossam, Fatouh; Marwan, Hamdy, Emam; Salah, Mostafa & Marmoush
Zimbabwe: Chipezeze; Hadebe, Garananga, Lunga, Jalai; Nakamba, Fabisch, Rinomhota; Chirewa, Musona, Dube
Anything else that catches the eye?
Neither side enters in peak rhythm, yet history and quality point towards an Egypt victory.
Four of Egypt’s last five matches across all competitions have seen both teams score, and that trend is reinforced by Zimbabwe’s last two outings, making the both teams to score market appealing.
The card market may also offer value, with Egypt picking up at least two bookings in four of their last five competitive games, while the Warriors have collected three or more in three of their last four.
GambleAware