Egypt coach Hassan Shehata is adamant the African champions won't be affected by shortage of options upfront when they face Malawi on Saturday. Emad Meteb and Mohamed Fadl have been ruled out of the World Cup qualifier due to injury. Zamalek frontman Amr Zaki, who is targeted by Premiership side Wigan Athletic, is also doubtful due to knee problems. "We have players capable of deputizing for Meteb and the other injured strikers," Shehata told FilGoal.com on Wednesday. Despite failing to score a single goal since January, Ahli striker Meteb maintained his regular first-team place. He is Shehata's first-choice striker alongside Zaki. Harras Al-Hodoud forward Ahmed Eid, who scored Egypt's winner against DR earlier this month, is expected to partner Zaki if the latter shrugged off his knee problems. Meanwhile, Shehata, who led Egypt to back-to-back Nations Cup titles, said the Pharaohs eye a win against Malawi despite their below-par record away from home. Egypt are renowned for their stuttering displays against Africa's minnows on the road. "A win over Malawi is important because it would lift us through to the next phase of the qualifiers," Shehata said. Egypt are on top of Group 12 with six points from two matches after overcoming DR Congo and Djibouti.
