A tough match awaits two of Africa's top football powerhouses later on Tuesday with qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup up for grabs.

Egypt, the continent's record champions, are scheduled to play Senegal, the current champions, in a thrilling match-up at the recently commissioned Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade.

The Pharaohs come into the game carrying an advantage from the first leg, which they won 1-0.

Both Egypt and Senegal are eyeing consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances for the first time in their history, having both featured in the Russia 2018 tournament.

Ahead of the game, the teams' coaches have expressed confidence in their players' ability to win the match and secure a spot in the global tournament scheduled to be played in November-December.

"Egypt are a disciplined team, hard workers, if we are able to stay focused I am sure we will do a good job," said Carlos Queiroz, Egypt's coach. "Senegal knows that if we have the ball we can do something magical. Two fantastic teams will play, the winner will be football. The two best in Africa will meet after Cameroon. If it was up to me, the best two in Africa would qualify. But that's the rule, I hope we will win tomorrow."

On his part, Senegal's coach Aliou Cissé said his team's first task will be to equalize the goal, then push for victory.

"In the animation, we manage to combine, we have to be effective in the penalty area, very clinical, make the right gesture, the strategy I expect to give it to the players first. No need to fear against Egypt, we have to get into the game well, we are aware of our qualities, time is our first enemy, but that does not mean leaving with a grain of salt," he said.

Cisse added that the players do not need to be motivated and that they understand the objective is to qualify for the World Cup.

"We are confident that we can do it even if the opponent is of quality, we go there with confidence and humility," said Cissé.

The two sides met in the final game of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) played in February, and the Lions of Teranga emerged winners, lifting the continental trophy for the first time in their history.

Whatever the result from Tuesday's game, however, Africa will see some of its best players miss out on the Qatar 2022 action.

If Egypt wins, top names like Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy will miss out.

If Senegal emerges victorious, players like Mohamed Salah, Mohamed Elneny and Mahmoud Trezeguet will not feature in the global tournament.