By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport, Cairo

Saleh expected a tough Nations Cup group

Egypt manager Mohsen Saleh is confident about his team's chances at next year's Nations Cup finals despite the quality of opposition in their group.

The Pharaohs are in the same group as defending champions Cameroon, debutants Zimbabwe and 1990 champions Algeria.

Saleh told BBC Sport website that he is very much aware of the size of the task awaiting his team at Tunisia 2004.

"I'm optimistic about this group as I didn't expect it to be easier," said Saleh.

"Considering that Ghana and the Ivory Coast both failed to qualify for the competition, there are no big or small teams in African football anymore."

I did not expect it to be any easier Egypt coach Mohsen Saleh

Former Egyptian goalkeeper and FA member Ahmed Shoubier also expressed optimism about his country's Nations Cup prospects.

"It's a balanced group and we're lucky to face Cameroon at the end of it," said Shoubier.

Group C: Cameroon go North

"Algeria should not be difficult as they've been struggling for the past decade to regain their reputation."

But Egypt's 1990 World Cup goalkeeper said newcomers Zimbabwe cannot be regarded as inferior opponents.

"We should not underestimate Zimbabwe. It may be their first appearance but they have a lot of potential."