Egypt's coach Hector Cuper said Sunday that the current juncture is the most important in the history of Egyptian football as the Pharaohs are determined to end their World Cup drought. "My top priority is to help the Pharaohs reach the 2018 World Cup," Cuper told the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) official website Sunday. "We will play in the coming months the rest of the World Cup qualifiers and we will start our qualifying campaign for the upcoming Nations Cup. "I believe that this stage is the most important for the Egyptian football, especially as we are determined to reach the World Cup." The Pharaohs, who are leading their group in the World Cup qualifiers, will face Uganda away in September as they are bidding for their first World Cup appearance since 1990. A win against Uganda will bring the Pharaohs closer to realising their World Cup dream. Egypt has six points in its group, two clear of second-placed Uganda, while Ghana are third on a solitary point ahead of a trailing Congo. Meanwhile, the Pharaohs will open their qualifying campaign for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with a tough game against Tunisia in June. "We are mentoring both sides, but frankly we are focusing on the Uganda game because this crucial game is very important in our qualifying campaign," Cuper added. The Argentinean coach insisted that he will remain in his post until the end of his contract with EFA, denying reports concerning his departure. "I am a man who respects his commitments and I am determined to achieve my mission with the Pharaohs. "I hope to help the Pharaohs realise their World Cup dream. It is my main target." The former Inter Milan coach denies also having personal problems with players, stressing that his door is open to all players, but they should convince the technical staff of their value first. Zamalek striker Bassem Morsi and Ahly skipper Hossam Ghaly have been continuously snubbed by Egypt following rows with the team's management. After being named in Egypt's starting 11 for the crucial World Cup qualifying 2-0 victory over Ghana, Morsi has been left out of the Nations Cup squad following a dispute with management during the home win. Ex-Tottenham midfielder Ghaly, meanwhile, has been continuously shunned by Egypt after falling out with management in May last year, with reports citing a row with Pharaohs assistant coach Ossama Nabih specifically as a reason behind the former's omission. "There are no problems at all with any international player now. Selection for the national team would be only dependent on the players' form on the pitch," Cuper concluded.
