Egypt coach Hassan Shehata believes the opener of the World Cup qualifiers final phase will be difficult regardless of Zambia's caliber. "Beginnings are always difficult," Shehata told the Egyptian FA official website on Thursday. "Our match against Zambia will largely determine how we would fare in the qualifiers. "A win will give us a boost in morale before we take on other opponents." The Pharaohs, who aim the reach the World Cup for the first time since 1990, open their Group C campaign against Zambia at Cairo Stadium on Sunday. The group also includes Egypt's rivals Algeria and minnows Rwanda. Shehata, who led Egypt to back-to-back Nations Cup triumphs, warned his side against underestimating Zambia. "Zambia deserve our respect. They are a very good team," the 59-year-old concluded.