With Egypt already guaranteed an African Nations Cup place, coach Javier Aguirre will be under no pressure when his side host Tunisia in their penultimate qualifier in Alexandria on Friday.

However, the bold strategy that Aguirre has been adopting since his arrival in August will be put to a real test as Egypt face their first tough opposition under the Mexican boss.

Under his guidance, the Pharaohs crushed Niger 6-0 and defeated eSwatini 4-1 and 2-0 home and away respectively to seal passage to next year's Nations Cup finals in Cameroon with two games to spare in Group J.

In those three games, Egypt showed an attacking flair but their three-man defence was barely troubled, although they conceded a comical goal from the halfway line against esWatini at home when goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawi was caught out of position.

The 12 goals Egypt scored in three matches led many to believe that Egypt was finally breaking away from the much-maligned conservative tactics that characterized their reign under Argentinean boss Hector Cuper.

"There is a difference between the styles of Aguirre and Cuper. With all respect for the former coach and his achievements, under his helm the players' movements were restricted on the pitch, unlike what happens now under Aguirre," Egypt's assistant coach Hany Ramzy said last week.

"There a tactical flexibility inside the pitch with Aguirre. Now there are different playing styles and we can depend on one striker or two. You should be entertaining and feel free when you play, but at the same time you should commit with the team's playing style."

Egypt will be also looking to avenge an opening 1-0 loss away to Tunisia.

The North African rivals, who have both already secured their Nations Cup places, will be vying for top spot in their group. Tunisia have a three-point lead over second-placed Egypt.

Aguirre is likely to stick to the team that faced Niger and eSwatini, although question marks remain over who should play the role of a lone striker, given the inconsistent form of Ahly's Marwan Mohsen and Olympiacos frontman Ahmed Kouka.

Egypt will face Niger away from home in their final qualifier in March next year.

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