“We will face a very strong opponents, who is preparing for the World Cup. We know it will be difficult but we are ready,” Vitoria told a pre-game press conference.

The friendly game between Egypt and Belgium will be played in Kuwait at 17:00 Cairo Local time (GMT+2) - two days before the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The Belgian Red Devils have drawn in Group F of the World Cup alongside Morocco, Canada and Croatia.

“I deal with the friendly game as if it is an official game so we have to achieve a positive result,” the Portuguese coach added.

“We have an experienced squad and distinguished foreign-based players,” Vitoria said.

The 52-year old has called a full strentgh squad for this game including Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah, Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed and Trabzonspor winger Mahmoud Trezeguet.

This will be his third game since taking over Egypt in July after claiming two wins against Liberia and Niger, with the same exact result 3-0, in two friendly games.

Looking for the future

Meanwhile, Egypt and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny confirmed that the game will be difficult but stressed on their readiness.

“The Belgium friendly will be very difficult since we will be playing against the world's number two team but Egypt is also a big team and it will help us for the future,” Elneny told a press conference.

The Pharaohs failed to book a place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup after losing to Senegal in the knockout stage of the African qualifiers by penalty kicks.

“We still feel sorry for not reaching the 2022 World Cup but we are doing our best for the next stage,” the Arsenal star added.

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