"Egypt will reach Russia 2018" - Elneny

Egypt midfielder Mohammed Elneny is confident of playing at the 2018 Fifa World Cup following their win over Ghana on Sunday.

The Pharaohs scored a goal in each half to record a 2-0 win on matchday two of the group phase qualifiers at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

The North Africans are eyeing a place at Russia 2018, having been absent from the global showpiece since Italy 1990.

“It’s not vital to put in a good performance, winning is more important,” Elneny was quoted as saying by Kingfut.

“Ghana are a strong team and have great players.

"We let their players control the possession but they still failed to pose any threat on our goal throughout the 90 minutes.

“I trust in the abilities of the current generation to achieve Egypt’s dream of reaching the World Cup."

Hector Cuper's outfit sit top of Group E, two points above second-placed Uganda.

The Pharaohs, who play the Cranes in a double-header next year, picked a 2-1 away victory over Congo in their group opener.

Egypt made their debut at the World Cup in 1934, and only returned to the competition in 1990 after 56 years.

They came close to qualifying for the tournament in 2014, reaching the playoffs before falling to Ghana on a 7-3 aggregate.