Johannesburg - Katlego Mphela believes he can strike up a partnership with Davide Somma to defeat Egypt at Ellis Park on Saturday.

'Killer' and the Leeds United striker are in the same Bafana Bafana squad for the first time, with coach Pitso Mosimane weighing up the possibility of pairing the duo against The Pharaohs.

Having worked with Somma at the squad's training camp over the past three days, Mphela is confident they can create an understanding in time for the crucial African Nations Cup qualifier.

"Davide's a good player. I've played with him in training and we are starting to get to know each other," Mphela said.

"He's a strong lad who plays as a target man and if I play with him, I will try to play deeper while he tries to hold the ball up. I think it can work well."

Having missed Bafana Bafana's last two matches following injury and his self-imposed exile from Mamelodi Sundowns, Mphela is looking forward to returning to the international stage.

However, the 26-year-old warned that Egypt will be looking for three points as they attempt to recover from their poor start to the qualifying campaign.

"They only have one point in the group so they will have to try and attack us to try and get the win," said Mphela.

"That should open up space for us to attack and we have to make sure we take our chances.

"We are experienced now and we know how to go out there and get a result. We have played against bigger teams before so there is nothing to fear."

Hassan Shehata's side are looking to win their fourth successive African Nations Cup title but a confident Mphela believes Bafana Bafana have what it takes to effectively end their hopes of winning the group and qualifying for the showpiece.

"We want to show Egypt that we are not afraid of them," he added.

"We have well known players in this country like Steven Pienaar and Siphiwe Tshabalala so we know we are good enough. I don't see them causing us many problems."