Cuper charges Egypt to go for broke against Ghana

The Pharaohs' coach says his players are not lost on the reward for a possible win over the Black Stars on Sunday

Egypt coach Hector Cuper says his side are in high spirits to beat Ghana in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

The Pharaohs will host the Black Stars at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria on matchday two of the group stage.

The North Africans are apparently in confident mood following a 2-1 away victory over Congo last month, same time Ghana drew with Uganda at home.

“Everyone is in a good physical state and we only miss Mahmoud Kahraba and Ahmed Hassan Koka [for the game]," Cuper told ONSport, as reported by Kingfut.

"It is great to have such a group of great players under your management.

“We understand the importance of the game to the Egyptians. The players are focused on getting the victory and winning the three points.

“We need to be calm. I want to relieve the pressure on my players, so I let them have some fun.

"They understand the responsibility on their shoulders and [have] shown great desire to win the game."

Ghana will be without captain Asamoah Gyan due to injury, but Cuper will not be deceived by the striker's absence.

He said: “It is always sad when you lose one of your players and Gyan is a very important player.

"Ghana will lose much with his absence but they have a strong team and I think their substitutes can compensate for any player."

Egypt sit top of Group E after matchday one, and a win on Sunday will put them in good position to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1990.

Their last home encounter against Ghana ended in a 2-1 win in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.