“The Belgium friendly will be very difficult since we will be playing against the world's number two team,” Vitoria told a television programme today.

“We could play a friendly game against an easier team, but we were searching for a strong challenge,” the Portuguese coach added.

“We know well what we need from the game without giving up our basics,” Vitoria said.

The game will be played in Kuwait at 16:00 Cairo Local time (GMT+2) - two days before the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The Belgian Red Devils have drawn in Group F of the World Cup alongside Morocco, Canada and Croatia.

Under the helm of new coach Rui Vitoria, 52, Egypt met for their first training camp in September before they defeated both Liberia and Niger 3-0 in two friendly games.

Last week, Vitoria announced a 24-man preliminary squad to join the preparatory camp for the friendly against Belgium.

He included local-based players and will announce his final squad on Sunday.

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