Afcon 2023: Group B - Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique

Egypt expect to travel far in West Africa after losing two of the past three Afcon finals - against Cameroon (2017) and Senegal (2021) - after what were "distinguished technical performances" according to Egyptian journalist Inas Mazhar.

"Mozambique should provide a straightforward start given the difference in experience and history between the two teams, but the second game against Ghana will be the toughest and most crucial, where Egypt will fight to secure top spot," she added.

"With Cape Verde to follow, the Pharaohs' chances of topping the group are strong and progress is almost certain - yet if they make it to the quarter-finals, the North Africans would clash with stronger teams.

"Head coach Rui Vitoria has not faced such a test since he assumed the post in July 2022, which could be the biggest challenge for Egypt.

"The Portuguese will face an examination by fans and Egyptian football pundits, who will not accept anything less than making an appearance in the final."

Big expectations are also an issue for Ghana, with BBC Sport presenter and reporter George Addo Jr saying fans are "concerned" at the form of the Black Stars, who have not reached the last eight of a Nations Cup since 2017.

"Ghana were eliminated in the last 16 in 2019 and were winless and failed to advance from the group stage in Cameroon," he added.

"The challenges the team faced were evident in qualifying. The side lacked cohesion, the technical team looked unsettled with changes in selection, and fan apathy was telling after repeated poor performances.

"The Black Stars have struggled in the first half of all games managed by Chris Hughton so far - with just one of their nine goals scored under him coming in the first 45 minutes."

After needing a last-minute winner to beat Madagascar in World Cup qualifying and then falling to a defeat in Comoros, Addo Jr thinks "nothing is guaranteed" for Ghana.

"Matches against Cape Verde and Mozambique have become a worry based on the performances against minnows lately," he said.

"Qualifying for the quarter-finals would be a major success. While that may seem achievable, Hughton and his team must find a consistent starting XI.

"Additionally, the Black Stars will need to keep key players fit to stand a chance."

This article originally appeared on BBC News Sport.