Egypt coach Hector Cuper assured that the Pharaohs can reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but that focusing on that tournament should not affect their performance against Tanzania in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

During a television interview late on Wednesday, Cuper asked the Egyptian people to be confident in the players’ ability to reach the World Cup, saying it is not just a dream, but that they must allow the players to concentrate on the coming game against Tanzania in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

"Why do you [Egyptian fans] view reaching the World Cup as just a dream? The mission is difficult but it can happen," Cuper said during a television interview.

With one game left against Tanzania in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, Egypt could formally secure qualification, even with a minor loss to the East African team.

"We have to concentrate on the coming Tanzania game next June as we have not yet reached the 2017 African Cup of Nations final," he said.

Egypt cemented its position at the top of Group G of the 2017 CAN qualifiers with seven points, five clear of second-placed Nigeria, who have now lost any chance of reaching Africa's most prestigious tournament in Gabon next year.

Ramadan Sobhi's future

Cuper said that Ahly forward Ramadan Sobhi must stay in Egypt, as he still young and has to wait with Ahly to gain more experience before starting a professional career outside Egypt.

"Ahly officials are responsible for deciding Sobhi's future, and they are not committed to following my advice of keeping the player in their squad," Cuper said.

Sobhi, 18, was one of Egypt's best performers when he assisted a goal for Mohamed Salah in a vital 1-1 draw in Nigeria before scoring the solitary goal that gave the Pharaohs a 1-0 home win over the Super Eagles to put them on the verge of reaching next year's African Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Salah's mission with Egypt

The Argentinean coach said that the team cannot count on only one player, whatever his talent or experience, after he was asked if he was counting on the talents of Mohamed Salah.

The 23-year-old Salah had equalised for Egypt in the first minute of stoppage time in the 1-1 draw with Nigeria.

"Salah is a young player but he can play in one of the big world leagues due to his experience," Cuper said.

"The team have a plan mission in case Salah is not available," he said, adding that "I can make minor changes in the team if a player is not available."

"I don't count on one player, all are ready to help the team. Salah is always ready to carry out my instructions as the national team is larger than him or any other player," he said.

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