The 27-year-old, who will miss the game due to injury, believes that the tough circumstances can be a driving force for the African champions.

“Those who think that Egypt players are not ready are wrong. When you’re in warfare, you only think about winning, disregarding the conditions,” Zaki told FilGoal.com.

“The league has been put off and this normally affects the general performance, but I believe that the national team play better under pressure.

“We have already proven this when we beat Italy in the Confederations Cup two years ago.

“I also believe that the good quality of the pitch could be useful for our team.”

The majority of Egypt’s players have been lacking competitive match practice during the past couple of months in the wake of the January 25 Revolution.

Moreover, the African champions enter the game bottom of Group 7, three points adrift of leaders South Africa.