Preview: Queiroz to make Egypt debut in friendly against Liberia

Ahram Online , Wednesday 29 Sep 2021

Carlos Queiroz will get to watch his players in action for the first time when Egypt meet Liberia on Thursday in their only warm-up for a crunch double-header against Libya in the World Cup qualifiers next month.

Carlos Queiroz
Egypt s new coach Carlos Queiroz (Photo: the Egyptian Football Association s official Facebook page)

The Portuguese coach took the reins earlier this month after Hossam El-Badry was sacked following Egypt's 1-1 draw away to Gabon in their second Group F game of the World Cup qualifiers.

The draw left Egypt with four points, two behind surprise leaders Libya, who garnered maximum points from their opening two matches against Gabon and Angola.

With only the group winners advancing to a final two-legged playoff for one of Africa's five places at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Egypt will have to get the better of North African neighbors Libya to avoid any upsets.

Queiroz has had little time to get familiar with the current crop of players, prompting the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to halt domestic competitions and arrange a friendly with Liberia.

The former Real Madrid and Portugal boss will have to do without the foreign-based players though, including Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, because the match does not fall in FIFA's international match calendar.

However, with home-based players making up the bigger chunk in Egypt's squad, the match should give Queiroz a chance to assess his options.

"Egypt have a big history but history on its own is not enough. We have to build a strong team," he told reporters.

"We are in a big race and we should get the maximum six points against Libya.

"I worked with big teams in previous World Cup qualifying editions and all players naturally want to prove their worth. I want the players to be aware that when they put on the national team's shirt, they represent all Egyptians."

Egypt last met Liberia in another friendly in 2019, claiming a 1-0 victory courtesy of a goal from Ahly midfielder Hamdi Fathi.

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