The Pharaohs need a point to reach Ghana 2008 and make their 21st appearance in the continent's most prestigious competition, an unprecedented record, according to the CAF website.

Optimism rises among fans as the defending champions take on minnows Botswana on the first day of the feast, a Muslims' public holiday after the fasting month of Ramadan.

Egypt assistant coach Shawky Gharib urged fans to pack the Cairo International Stadium in support to the team.

"We need fans to support us from the first minute and don't rush the players if we couldn't score an early goal," Gharib told reporters.

But Botswana, placed 95th in the FIFA rankings, won't be an easy prey to hunt as they still have hope to make it to Ghana.

They split second spot of Group B with Burundi with seven points each, two adrift of leaders Egypt. Mauritania root the group with four points.

Absent Players

Egypt will have to do without key players like captain Ahmed Hassan, Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' and Mohamed Barakat.

Anderlecht captain Hassan serves the first of a three-match ban after being sent off against Burundi in the last qualifier while Middlesbrough's Mido and Ahli's Barakat are out with injuries.

Starting wingers Ahmed Fathi and Ahmed Abou-Mosallam were also left out of the squad.

Coach Hassan Shehata, though, still has good news with pivotal playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika declared fit, after being doubtful with a knee problem.

He will a deep role behind striking duo Amr Zaki and Hamburg's Mohamed Zidan.

Shehata may also opt for applying more pressure on the visitors by fielding a third striker, likely Emad Meteb, instead of one the holding midfielders.

Probable Line-up:

Essam Al-Hadari, Ahmed Al-Mohamadi, Shadi Mohamed, Hani Saied, Sayed Moawad, Hosni Abd-Rabou, Mohamed Shawky, Mohamed Abou-Treika, Hassan Mostafa (Emad Meteb), Amr Zaki, Mohamed Zidan.