Shehata, 59, prevailed in two clashes against Pfister, the first in the Egyptian League eight years ago while the second came in Ghana 2008.

The former international midfielder steered Egypt to a 4-2 win over favorites Cameroon in Group C opener after some impressing football.

Pfister admitted Shehata's superiority during the game and said his players failed to stop the Pharaohs.

Shehata grabbed an unpredicted victory over a Pfister-led side in 2000.

Coaching relegation-threatened Dina against his former side and league favorites Zamalek, Shehata almost had no chance of winning.

But his players produced a brilliant display, downing Zamalek 2-1 and forcing them to delay their title celebrations to the following round.

Dina were relegated after condemning champions Zamalek to their first and only defeat in the league.

Better Record

Not only Shehata prevailed in direct challenges, he also had a better record despite Pfister's much longer career.

The German has been coaching first teams in African countries since 1972, when he took charge of Rwanda.

Shehata began his career with the Pharaohs in 2004, leading them to the African title two years later, a trophy Pfister has been coveting for a long time and is yet to win.

Both men reached the final of the prestigious competition twice, with Pfister's first time in 1992 with the Black Stars. They lost to Ivory Coast on penalties.

The Egypt manager also eyes other records as his side prepare for the final in Accra.

If Egypt won, Shehata will be the second coach in history to win back-to-back titles in the African Cup.

GK Gyamfi is the only coach to win successive trophies when he led Ghana to first place in 1963 and 1965.

A victory over Cameroon also means the Pharaohs will extend their own African record to six titles.

Cameroon, with four trophies, are hoping to tie the record.