Egypt's assistant coach Osama Nabih said on Tuesday that there is still room for new players who prove their worth being drafted into the Pharaohs squad ahead of next month's World Cup qualifier against Congo.

"Consistency of satisfactory performance is the key to earning a spot on the national team. If a player plays five or six matches and keeps improving his performance, he will defintely get our attention," Nabih said on the DMC Sports television channel.

Egypt called up 14 Europe-based players on Monday amid preparations for the much-anticipated qualifier at home against Congo, scheduled for 8 October.

On Tuesday, Nabih has also commented on the recent tough media criticism of Egypt coach Hector Cuper, saying that the technical staff don't pass on all such criticisms to the coach.

"We agreed among the technicial staff that we should not be telling him every critical remark made against him," he explained.

The Argentinean has become vulnerable to criticism for his defensive tactics and squad choices after a shocking 1-0 defeat away to humble Uganda in the World Cup qualifier on 31 August.

However, despite the loss, some reports have suggested that Cuper has been promised by some EFA members that he will continue leading the team until World Cup 2022.

Seven-time African Cup of Nations champions Egypt are bidding for their third-ever World Cup appearance, ending 28 years of failing to qualify for the prestigious tournament.

Topping Group E with nine points, the Pharaohs are looking for a victory over Congo to bring them a step closer to Russia 2018.

Egypt should officially qualify if they beat Congo and second-placed Uganda stumble against Ghana in the same round.
 

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