Egypt's Mohamed Saleh (R) and Nigeria's Stanley Amuzie jump for the ball during their African Cup of Nations group G qualification football match between Egypt and Nigeria at the Borg el-Arab Stadium in Alexandria on March 29, 2016 (Photo: AFP)
Egypt will be looking to ensure qualification for next year's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2010 when they visit Tanzania's Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
With the surprise withdrawal of Chad in March, group G leaders Egypt need a draw or at most a two-goal margin defeat at minnows Tanzania to make it to the Gabon finals.
With Egypt initially set to meet Chad - who cited financial difficulties as a main reason for their withdrawal - in their final group game, the record seven-time African champions will now meet Tanzania for their ultimate qualifying fixture.
Tanzania, on the other hand, will have to face Nigeria away from home after hosting Egypt – with the Taifa Stars holding onto the slim hope of beating the Pharaohs by at least a two-goal margin before defeating the Super Eagles.
"We know it is a very huge assignment for us. Egypt will come to the match defending because they need only one point to progress," Tanzania boss Charles Mkwassa was quoted as saying by the CAF official website after playing out a 1-1 draw in a friendly with Kenya.
"For us, we have not lost hope as yet. We know we stand a chance though a slim one but we will work hard to see what comes of it."
Hector Cuper's men, meanwhile, will still be eyeing a win at their Tanzanian counterparts to remain in first ranking ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
"We have to beat Tanzania to keep our place in the first ranking," Egypt assistant coach Mahmoud Fayez told reporters last month.
Egypt go into the game with only two natural center-backs available in Rami Rabia and Ali Gabr after ex-Fiorentina defender Ahmed Hegazy had been ruled out through injury.
Elsewhere, manager Hector Cuper doesn't have injury concerns – with AS Roma star Mohamed Salah and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny available.
Ahly Jeddah full-back Mohamed Abdel-Shafi returns to his left-back spot – which was previously occupied by right-footed defender Hamada Tolba against Nigeria.
Holding midfielder Hossam Ashour was also a new inclusion following some solid displays for league leaders Ahly, whose skipper Hossam Ghaly was snubbed due a feud with the Egypt management.
Egypt, who last won the Cup of Nations for a record third time running in 2010, are on top of group G with seven points, five ahead already-eliminated Nigeria. Tanzania come last with a single point.
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