Egypt players are hoping the surprises of football will not come to haunt them as they take on Zambia in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Saturday afternoon. The Pharaohs breathed a sigh of relief in October last year when they were handed a relatively favorable draw that placed them in Group C along with minnows Rwanda, Zambia and ailing giant Algeria. They were deemed firm favorites to end their World Cup jinx, having last qualified for the tournament in 1990, but things did not go well for a team who approached the qualifiers on the back of two successive Nations Cup triumphs. A 1-1 home draw against Zambia and a 3-1 defeat away to Algeria in their first two games dented their chances of making a third appearance at the most important FIFA tournament. "It would be harsh for us to miss out on the World Cup, firstly because we're African champions but also because, for many of my generation, this could be our last chance to take part," classy playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika, who should be fit for the anticipated tie at Zambia after shaking off a minor hamstring complaint, said. Egypt have seven points from four games, three adrift of group leaders and North African rivals Algeria with two matches remaining. Only the group winners reach next year's South Africa finals. Any stumble against third-placed Zambia in Chililabombwe will most likely end the country's dream of laying World Cup ghosts to rest. It may also prompt several veterans like keeper Essam Al-Hadari, central defender Wael Gomaa and skipper Ahmed Hassan to bring curtain down on their international career.
Shehata admits to difficult task "Reaching the World Cup is never easy, but missing out on it will be unfair," striker Amr Zaki, who will spearhead Egypt's attack against Zambia, stated. Difficult Task Zambia proved to be a stubborn opponent when Egypt hosted them at Cairo Stadium in March. They lost hopes of reaching the World Cup but are unlikely to relax against the six-time African champions because a Nations Cup place is still up for grabs. "Our task is difficult. We are to blame for that after drawing with Zambia and losing to Algeria in our first two games," Egypt coach Hassan Shehata said on the eve of the crunch encounter. "However, we will do our best to win the remaining matches." Egypt will miss Middlesbrough midfielder Mohamed Shawky due to suspension while Zambia will have to do without striker Jacob Mulenga, who picked up a groin injury. Egypt's probable line-up: Essam Al-Hadari, Hani Saied, Wael Gomaa, Sherif Abdul-Fadil, Ahmed Fathi, Sayed Moawad, Mohamed Hommos, Hosni Abd-Rabou, Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Abou-Treika, Amr Zaki
