Vitoria was named Egypt's new boss in July, a few months after the Pharaohs lost to Senegal in the African Nations Cup final and in a decisive two-legged World Cup qualifying playoff.

They also opened their 2023 Nations Cup qualifying campaign with a shock 2-0 loss to Ethiopia, which ultimately led to the sacking of Egyptian coach Ehab Galal after a brief tenure at the helm.

Vitoria, a two-time Portuguese league winner with Benfica, started his reign in convincing fashion, with Egypt crushing Niger and Liberia with the same 3-0 scoreline in friendly games.

But such wins can hardly be a testament of the team's progress, a fact that Vitoria is truly aware of.

"It is true that playing against a tough team like Belgium would be a big risk but it is important to test your team against a tough opponent," the 52-year-old said.

Egypt met Belgium in a World Cup warm-up in 2018, which the European heavyweights won 3-0 in a one-sided affair.

Vitoria will have his work cut out to neutralize the likes of Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne and Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard when Egypt and Belgium clash at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait.

Belgium are gearing up for the World Cup in Qatar, where they will play in Group F along with Morocco, Canada and Croatia.

"The Belgium friendly will be very difficult since we will be playing against the world's number two team," Vitoria said.

"We could play a friendly game against an easier team, but we were looking for a strong challenge."

Egypt will have to do without key winger Omar Marmoush, who was injured playing for Wolfsburg in a Bundesliga game last weekend. Defenders Mahmoud El-Wensh and Mahmoud Metwalli are also out.

Zamalek's Ahmed Zizo or Turkish-based winger Mahmoud Trezeguet is likely to replace Marmoush on the left flank. Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah is set to start on the right, with Nantes' Mostafa Mohamed expected to be deployed as a lone striker.

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