Libya’s flawless start under veteran manager Javier Clemente in FIFA World Cup qualifying has the Mediterranean Knights top of Group F on six points and North African rivals Egypt in a nervous state two points behind. The Pharaohs sent manager Hossam El Badry packing after a disappointing performance in their draw at Gabon, with Egypt spared a loss only by a dramatic late equalizer from Mostafa Mohamed. Now the teams are set to meet on Friday in Cairo for a match that has massive implications, with Egypt needing a victory to keep their neighbors from pulling away.
Mohamed Salah will be there to aid Egypt’s cause on new manager Carlos Queiroz’s first competitive outing as manager of the Pharaohs, and the on fire Liverpool forward needs to provide his best over the course of the doubleheader against Libya. Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny is back in contention for playing time after injuries kept him from participating in Egypt’s first two qualifiers and Ahram reports that Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy should be able to shake off a knock to start. All speculation in Egyptian media is on who Queiroz will turn to in his starting eleven, having shocked fans and pundits alike by leaving out Al Ahly attacking stars Mohamed Magdy “Afsha” and Mohamed Sherif.
The visitors will be missing FUS Rabat striker Mohamed Anis Saltou for the match, but Spanish manager Clemente struck a defiant tone while stating his respect for Egyptian football. Clemente declared that he is always prepared and knows plenty about the Egyptian squad with his players ready to perform with enthusiasm. All the pressure will be on the hosts and a well seasoned tactician like Clemente should have his charges ready to make the favored Egyptians earn points only if they play at their best.
