Egypt's perfect start to World Cup qualifying faces its toughest threat on Thursday when Burkina Faso visit the Cairo International Stadium.
The African giants could extend their lead over the Stallions with maximum points, but it is unlikely to be straightforward against the second-placed side.
Match preview
© Reuters
So much has happened since Egypt were in World Cup qualifying duty last November, with the Pharaohs letting go of Rui Vitoria and appointing Hossam Hassan.
Vitoria had been in charge for the 6-0 success over Djibouti on November 16, 2023 and the 2-0 win over Sierra Leone three days later, but a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign saw the Portuguese's two-year stint cut short.
The Pharaohs were one of the favourites heading into the finals in Cote d'Ivoire, only to be among the shock exits in a wildly exciting finals, leading to Vitoria's departure.
Hassan heads into his first competitive fixture having taken charge of the side in March's friendly win over New Zealand (1-0) followed by a 4-2 loss at the hands of Croatia a few days later.
The incumbent's legendary status in Egyptian football is unquestionable, and the nation's record goalscorer (68 goals) aims to build on Vitoria's unblemished start to World Cup qualifying as the seven-time African champions aim to win three on the trot.
© Reuters
That outcome will be to Burkina Faso's detriment, with the Stallions two points adrift of the North African nation heading into the third round of qualifiers.
Like Egypt, Les Etalons have changed managers since AFCON 2023, with Hubert Velud departing despite guiding the nation to the round of 16, ending the Frenchman's two-year stint.
Velud has since been replaced by Brama Traore, and the new boss aims to extend the Stallions' undefeated streak in World Cup qualifying matches to three after a 1-1 draw against Guinea-Bissau was followed by a 3-0 win over Ethiopia last November.
Burkina Faso have enjoyed a commendable run of road results in World Cup qualifiers, with that 3-0 success over Ethiopia extending the Stallions' streak to four matches without losing.
That run includes wins over Niger (2-0) and Djibouti (4-0) as well as a draw at Algeria (2-2) before last year's comfortable triumph over Ethiopia (the match was held in Morocco), possibly making them a genuine threat to Egypt on Thursday.
Team News
© Reuters
Hassan questioned Mohamed Salah's decision to return to Liverpool for treatment for a hamstring injury sustained at AFCON 2023, but the newly-appointed Egypt boss has denied a rift between both men heading into the June fixtures.
The Liverpool forward is expected to play from the off as he makes his first Pharaohs appearance since the legendary striker took charge.
While Mohamed Elneny and Al Ahly full-back Omar Kamal were excluded from Hassan's squad, regulars like Mohamed El Shenawy, Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed are in the group.
Burkina Faso will be without Bertrand Traore and Issoufou Dayo on Thursday, leaving them shorn of international experience against the Pharaohs. The former Aston Villa forward scored in both qualifiers last November.
The upshot of Traore's absence means Dango Ouattara will have to carry more responsibility than usual in the attacking third for the Stallions. Edmond Tapsoba, fresh from playing an important part in Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga triumph, should feature at the heart of the defence.
Egypt possible starting lineup:
El Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Abdelmonem, Hamdi; Attia, Tawfik; Salah, Kafsha, Trezeguet; Mohamed
Burkina Faso possible starting lineup:
Koffi; Nagalo, Djiga, E. Tapsoba, Yago; Sangare, Ouedraogo, Toure; Ouattara, Konate, A. Tapsoba
We say: Egypt 1-0 Burkina Faso
While Thursday's fixture could reshape the Group A dynamic, Egypt should back themselves to record a marginal victory to continue their unblemished start to World Cup qualifying.
Burkina Faso have never defeated the Pharaohs, and that unwanted run against the North Africans should continue this week's Cairo encounter.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
