Preview: Another Nations Cup flop on cards for inconsistent Egypt

Egypt faces an uphill battle on Saturday if they are to avoid another failure to qualify for the African Nations Cup

With the African Nations Cup prospects hanging by a thread, Egypt need a remarkable comeback in Saturday's qualifier at Central Africa, the minnows who upset the big-fish Pharaohs in a stunning first leg.
Egypt anticipated an easy ride in Alexandria two weeks ago but were undone by a spirited Central Africa side, who managed to claim a hugely surprising 3-2 victory, despite playing with only ten men for long periods.
The gaps Egypt left at the back were repeatedly exposed by some fast-paced counter attacks from the visitors, who look favourites to progress to the final round of the short qualifying campaign for next year's Nations Cup in South Africa, the first time the biennial tournament is played in an odd year.
Egypt's poor display came in stark contrast to their promising start of the World Cup qualifiers, having beaten Mozambique 2-0 at home before securing a last-gasp 3-2 victory at Guinea to collect maximum six points in Group G.
Lack of domestic football action has apparently started to take its toll on Egypt's bunch of talented footballers, most of whom were only got to play a few low-key friendly games after February's Port Said disaster led to the cancellation of the Egyptian Premier League.
In the face of Egypt's do-or-die situation, coach Bob Bradley refuses to throw in the towel.
“Two different thoughts on this game: on one hand we understand that 2-0 is a score that will be good for us,” Bradley told reporters before Egypt's training session on Wednesday, feeling the heat of speculation over his future, which at this point is on par with the heat of Cairo's scorching summer.
"In that respect, sometimes you don't need to go crazy too soon - you need to be smart and when the first goal comes, the second will come next."
“If we are able to score three goals total, this also opens up all possibilities, we have to read the game and find the right way to attack from the beginning but do it intelligently.”
Egypt have no injury worries but Bradley was left with a shortage of proven strikers after Mohamed Zidan was left out of the game for disciplinary reasons.
The 30-year-old, who turned down an offer from German side Mainz to extend his contract for one year, opted to leave Egypt's training camp to discuss a deal with an unnamed Chinese club, incurring Bradley's wrath in the process.
“There is always times when the player has to find the right way to concentrate on both his club situation and the national team. We think that this time, especially as we prepare for the second leg, every one's attention must be with the national team with full commitment,” the former US tactician commented.
“After a meeting with Zidan, we felt that this was not the case. In the future we will judge the situation, for now we need players who are committed. I just mentioned that this is a difficult game, we must go with a strong group that is motivated for it.”
Ahly's Emad Meteb, who was called up as a late replacement, could spearhead Egypt's attack against Central Africa.
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