Egypt and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny believes that the Pharaohs can reach the 2018 World Cup finals regardless of who they face at the African qualifiers.

Entering the draw in pot 2, Egypt were drawn Friday in a tight group at the qualifiers' final round alongside Ghana, Congo and Uganda.

"The team that wants to qualify has to face all the others without any preferences," Elneny was quoted as saying by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after participating in the draw procedures.

"Egypt has a new generation of players that have the character and will to play against any team. We want to make Egyptians happy," the former Ahly player added.

"The last time we played in the FIFA World Cup, I wasn’t even born, so it's about time to experience the World Cup once again. I'm positive we can qualify regardless of our opponents."

World Cup-hungry Egypt will have a chance to avenge the 2013 humiliating 6-1 defeat at the hands of Ghana after both sides were paired in the same qualifying group.

The powerhouses are expected to battle it out for the sole Group E ticket to the World Cup as they are unlikely to face stiff opposition from Congo and Uganda.

Under the Guidance of Argentinean coach Hector Cuper, Egypt will be eying breaking their World Cup duck to reach the football world’s most prestigious showpiece for the first time since 1990.

Elneny, one of Egypt's team key elements, spent three years at Basel before joining Arsenal last January in one of the most high-profile moves for any Egyptian footballer, having reaped the rewards of solid and consistent play with the Swiss champions.

The 23-year-old has made 11 league appearances with Arsenal since his arrival, earning acclaim among Gunner faithfuls for a series of convincing performances during last season, which saw them finish second behind surprise champions Leicester City.

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