Egypt s coach Carlos Queiroz (foreground) cheers his players as Tunisia s coach Mondher Kebaier (background) looks on during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 semi-final football match between Tunisia and Egypt at the 974 stadium in the Qatari capital of Doha on December 15, 2021. AFP
“All Egyptians know that the game against Senegal is like a World Cup final,” Queiroz told a television programme late on Wednesday.
“We are ready for the game as there are no injuries in our squad,” he said.
“It’s a chance for Egypt’s national team to qualify for the World Cup as all the players are confident ahead of the game,” he said, adding that “the game won’t be easy on the two teams.”
“Egyptian fans should know that the game is divided into two stages for 180 minutes, the first will be played in Egypt and the second will be in Senegal,” the Portuguese coach added.
Egypt, who are seeking to qualify for the World Cup for the fourth time in their history, will host Senegal for the first leg of the qualifying playoff on 25 March 2022 at Cairo International Stadium, while the second leg match will be held four days later at Stade Olympique de Diamniadio Stadium in the Senegalese capital of Dakkar.
“With fan attendance, Egypt’s national team players will do their best on the pitch to win as well as to qualify for the World Cup, as it’s a big challenge for the players,” he added.
“I want to send a message to Egyptian fans, I want all the Egyptians to be behind their team during Friday’s game against Senegal.
“It’s only 48 hours before the game, so I want them all to raise the Egyptian flags on their home windows,” Queiroz said.
“I want all the Egyptian parents to allow their kids to wear the Egypt national team jersey on Friday.”
Last month, the Pharaohs lost to Senegal on penalties in the African Nations Cup final.
The 68-year-old coach took charge of the Pharaohs in September 2021, succeeding Hossam El-Badri, who was shown the door after a series of unconvincing performances.
The former Portugal, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia coach Queiroz accepted the challenge, promising to do his best to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
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