Queiroz: We are very motivated

CAIRO-24 March 2022: Carlos Queiroz, Egypt national team head coach, stated that his players are motivated for tomorrow's game against Senegal in the final round of the African qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

Egypt hosts Senegal on Friday night in the first leg and the Pharaohs hope to achieve a positive result ahead of the second leg in Senegal next Tuesday. 

"The boys are very motivated with a fantastic spirit. I know this as a World Cup final for Egypt. This is an opportunity to qualify the team for the World Cup." The Portuguese head coach said in the pre-game press conference that was held on Thursday. 

The Pharaohs trained on Thursday at Air Force Stadium, where they have been preparing for the game in the last couple of days. 

Egypt never participated in the World Cup in two editions in a row and Queiroz hopes to take the Pharaohs to the World Cup for the fourth time in the nation's history. 

Queiroz added "Obviously, it won't be an easy match, we have already seen how difficult it is to play against Senegal. Fans have to understand that it's a double confrontation. The first half is played in Cairo, then there will be another in Senegal." 

Friday's match brings back the memories of the AFCON final, which was played last February in Cameroon and saw the Senegalese winning their first AFCON title with a victory over the Pharaohs on penalties.