Egypt, who had not qualified for the World Cup since 1990, will be looking to get off to a strong start to their 2010 qualifiers campaign when they host DR Congo on Sunday. The Pharaohs, who are full of enthusiasm after winning a second consecutive Nations Cup title earlier this year, will have to do without three of their influential men. Ahli playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika will miss the game after sustaining a knee injury. Mohamed Zidan was expected to fill in for him but the Hamburg forward has been suspended by the Egyptian FA for apparently faking injury. Middlesbrough midfielder Mohamed Shawky has been also ruled out due to a back problem. Zamalek's in-form winger Shikabala is expected to make his long-awaited return after serving a one-year suspension. The talented player was handed a one-year international ban by the Egyptian FA due to his inappropriate behavior during the 2007 All-African Games in Algeria. Shikabala will support attacking duo Amr Zaki and Emad Meteb, who are Hassan Shehata's preferable partners upfront. Not Easy Egypt assistant coach Shawki Gharib insisted his side will not underestimate DR Congo when both sides meet at Cairo Stadium.
Neveu leads DR Congo "The match won't be easy. We fully respect our opponents," Gharib told Egyptian daily Al-Ahram. "Congo's squad has significantly changed since we last met them in the 2006 Nations Cup. Their current squad boasts many good players like Tresor Lua Lua and Tresor Mputu." Six-time African champions Egypt thrashed DR Congo 4-1 in the 2006 Nations Cup quarter-finals before going on to claim the title on home soil. DR Congo coach Patrice Neveu, who had a spell with Egyptian side Ismaili last year, firmly denied that he launched a scathing attack on Egypt national team. "I was very unhappy to see some fake comments attributed to me," the Frenchman said. "I never undermined Egypt's caliber. On the contrary, I have the utmost respect for them." Neveu is aware that DR Congo have an uphill to climb if they are to cause a huge upset. "It's an extremely tricky game for us," the 54-year-old tactician told FIFA.com. "My team's not really gelled together yet, so I'm expecting to have to suffer a bit."
