Ahead of their 2017 World Cup qualifying clash with Ghana this weekend, Egypt are still nursing wounds from their infamous capitulation in Kumasi three years ago.
The Black Stars crushed The Pharoahs 6-1 in the first leg of the final round of World Cup qualifying in October 2013, a result that effectively ended the North African nation’s hopes of making it to the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
Although Egypt won the second leg 2-1 in Cairo a month later, it proved insufficient, as the 7-3 aggregate meant they were going to miss out on their sixth consecutive World Cup since their last appearance at the 1990 edition in Italy.
“Ghana is a big team but the 6-1 result is exceptional and rarely happens in football,” said their coach, Argentine Hector Cuper, at a press conference on Sunday.
Egypt are in pole position in Group E after an impressive opening day away win, beating Congo Brazaville 2-1. Ghana, on the other hand, dropped points at home with a 0-0 draw against Uganda.
The game in Alexandria has been seen by many as decisive due to the fact that Ghana and Egypt are the two strongest teams in the group, with five World Cup appearances between them.
Cuper, 60, says his side is determined to keep their place at the top of the table.
“I trust my players who are determined to clinch the three points,” he said. “Injuries make me sad but I trust the substitutes. I believe in the team as a whole, not individuals.
“The players and the fans are the reason behind my confidence. I don’t care about any statements made by the Ghanaians and our focus is on the meeting with them,” he added.
The big game comes off at the 86,000 capacity Borg El Arab Stadium on Sunday November 13. It will be the duo’s sixth meeting in the last seven years. Both teams have won twice each of the last five games, with the one other game ending in a draw.
Like Cuper, Ghana coach Avram Grant has also named his squad ahead of the clash.
Camping is set to take place for both sides throughout the week – Egypt warming up at home while Ghana prepare in the United Arab Emirates.
