Egyptian Football Association chairman Amr El-Ganainy said that Egypt's national team coach Hossam El-Badry was unlucky during his debut with the Pharaohs due to the absence of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

"El-Badry was unlucky during his debut with Egypt national team due to the absence of Mohamed Salah as we spent several years depending on the performance of the Liverpool star," the EFA boss told a TV program late on Saturday.

Egypt opened their qualifying campaign for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations at home last month with a 1-1 draw to Kenya at Cairo International Stadium, followed by a goalless draw an away match against Comoros, with Salah missing both games due to injury.

The two draws marked a poor debut for coach El-Badry, who took over the Pharaohs in September after Mexican coach Javier Aguirre was sacked earlier in July following the Pharaohs' shock elimination from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 held at home.

"El-Badry wasn't able to call up new names for the team's squad due to the Olympic team's participation in the U-23 African Cup of Nations," El-Ganainy said.

"The coming game will be better. Sure it won’t be like the previous ones,"

Egypt are now third in group G of the 2021 AFCON qualifiers with two points, two points behind leaders Comoros.

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