Egypt Coach Cuper Broods Over Injuries Ahead Of Ghana Clash

The Pharaohs boss is worried about the injuries suffered by some of his key players but he is optimistic his charges will record a win.

Egypt coach Hector Cuper has admitted that the injury situation in his outfit is a big worry ahead of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifying game against Ghana on November 13.

The 60-year-old will miss the services of Zamalek midfielder Mostafa Fathi but Koka and Ramadan Sobhi, who picked up knocks recently at club side, are likely to feature in the game after showing signs of recovery.

Ghana are in search of their first victory in the group after drawing blank against Uganda last month in Tamale, while Egypt recorded a 2-1 away win over Congo.

“I am not a magician. There is no one way to win. I trust my players who are determined to clinch the three points,” Cuper said at a press conference.

“I can’t drop the players who played the 6-1 game because of that. I trust my squad and we are confident in our abilities to win.

“Ghana is a big team but the 6-1 result [against them in 2013] was exceptional and rarely happens in football.

“Injuries make me sad but I trust the substitutes. I believe in the team as a whole, not individuals. I am upset about Mostafa Fathi’s injury and we will check on Koka when he arrives but Ramadan Sobhi is fit for the game,” he added.

Media reports suggested that a section of Egyptian supporters are planning a hostile welcome for Ghana's Israeli coach Avram Grant, when he arrives in the country on November 11 due to the rivalry between Egypt and Israel. This led to Ghana FA requesting for special security measures to protect the team ahead of the game but Cuper insists he does not care about such off-pitch incidents.

“The players and 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 next week."

 In the other group game, Uganda will host Congo at the Namboole Stadium on November 12.