Senegal, in reaching the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals, have already established themselves on the international stage but anyone who believes Monday's opponents Zimbabwe are continental novices should think again. In the last African Nations Cup, Zimbabwe and Cameroon fought out a 5-3 thriller even if the southern Africans did finish on the losing side. And it's easily forgotten that Zimbabwe even on the last day of the qualifiers had a mathematical chance of reaching this year's World Cup. Senegal, who failed to qualify for this year's World Cup, have dipped in form and Zimbabwe believe they can give the Teranga Lions a run for their money in Monday's Group D fixture.

“If we believe in ourselves, we have a chance in Egypt,” Zimbabwe captain Peter Ndlovu said.

Ndlovu is the most experienced player in the side and he is among 10 from the South African league in the Zimbabwe squad.

Coach Charles Mlhauri is expected to pair Ndlovu together with newly-signed Portsmouth striker Benjamin Mwaruwari.

The former Auxerre striker missed the last Nations Cup in Tunisia through injury.

He played for Portsmouth on Saturday in the Premiership but is expected in Egypt on time to play in Port Said.

The one blow to the Zimbabwe side is the unavailability of defender Dumisani Mpofu who got injured during Zimbabwe's training camp in Marrakech, Morocco.

The South Africa-based defender will require an operation on his knee to repair damaged ligaments.

Senegal are taking the Zimbabweans quite seriously in their training camp in the city of Ismailia which is about 100km from the Port Said city centre.

Head coach Abdoulaye Sarr says every match must be prepared in detail.

“This is a tournament and there are a lot of pitfalls to avoid. But let me repeat every match has to be prepared carefully,” Sarr told the Senegalese media.

“We need a lot of concentration so that the players can understand and execute the roles assigned to them.

“We have gathered information on our opponents, but we are not going to concentrate on that all the time.

“How our team should play is what we are preoccupied with so we can take our opponents by surprise.''

Senegal could start with a strong attacking trio of El Hadji Diouf, Henri Camara and possibly Diomansy Kamara.

It is a game that will also see excellent goalkeepers with Senegal's Tony Sylva and Energy Murambadoro standing between the posts for Zimbabwe.

Lamine Diatta is a likely pillar in defence and coach Sarr might give Pape Bouba Diop a huge responsibility in midfield.

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