Cuper takes charge of Egypt for the first time when they host Equatorial Guinea in Cairo’s Petrosport stadium on Thursday, having succeeded Shawky Gharib who was dismissed after the team set an unwanted record of failing to qualify for the African Nations Cup three times in a row.
Egypt will miss a number of key players against Equatorial Guinea through injury, including Qatar-based right-back Ahmed Fathi, Ahly winger Walid Soliman, Zamalek goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shennawy and playmaker Ayman Hefni and striker Ahmed Koka, who is enjoying a great run of form with Rio Ave in Portugal.
But all eyes will be on Fiorentina winger Mohamed Salah, who was given a new lease of life after joining the Italian side from English Premier League leaders Chelsea on loan after struggling for regular football under Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.
“I still don’t know much about the players I selected in the squad but I’m following and watching them, and the national team’s door is still open for any new faces,” Cuper said at the team’s base on the outskirts of Cairo.
“I’m waiting for the league’s resumption to watch all players, and you will probably see some players who will be selected for the first time,” added the 59-year-old, who helped Valencia reach the UEFA Champions League final twice in 2000 and 2001.
Live Egypt vs Equatorial Guinea | Friendly Match | Live on Nile Sports
The match will Kick Off at: 18:00 Cairo Local Time | 12:00 PM ET Time (Canada-USA)
