Egyptian national team manager Hector Cuper praised his 23-man squad, expressing optimism ahead of his team's highly anticipated World Cup qualifier against Ghana next Sundau. The second round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers is scheduled for 13 November in Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria. "I trust my squad and we are confident in our abilities to win," the Argentinean manager said during a press conference held Sunday, also revealing a new sponsor for the team. The game brings memories of 2014 World Cup qualifier decider in Kumasi three years ago when the Pharaohs lost the playoff in a 6-1 defeat. "Ghana is a big team but the 6-1 result is exceptional and rarely happens in football," he said. "I am no magician and if I were, so why we work? There is no one way to win. I trust my players who are determined to clinch the three points," Cuper explained. Egypt has made a good start in the World Cup qualifiers with an away win against Congo, while Ghana were held to a disappointing goalless draw at home by minnows Uganda. "Injuries make me sad but I trust the substitutes. I believe in the team as a whole, not individuals. I don't care about any statement made by the Ghanaians," Cuper added. The Pharaohs are leading Group E with three points, two ahead of second-placed Ghana. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
