Egypt are set to kickoff their final group stage campaign at home against the Chipolopolo, and odds are on the side of the six-time African champions.

However, Zaher revealed his consternation by the overconfidence he realized inside the Egypt camp in Alexandria.

"I am worried by this scary confidence I see in everyone's eyes," Zaher told Egypt players in a meeting revealed by the FA's official site.

"We must not be overconfident because other teams also have the dream of reaching the World Cup, just like we do.

"We should not rely on our recent African Cup of Nations achievements."

Zambia Warning

Zaher, who was chairman during Egypt's last three CAN triumphs in 1998, 2006 and 2008, stressed that Zambia have proved before that they are no pushovers against the Pharaohs.

"Zambia were the only team we failed to beat in the last Nations Cup in Ghana, so the mach will be difficult," he added.

Egypt were held to a 1-1 draw by the Zambians last year, despite easing to impressive victories against the likes of Cameroon and Ivory Coast.