The Pharaohs are eyeing their first World Cup appearance since 1990, while Ghana is hoping to reach the World Cup finals for the third time.
Bob Bradley has set his eyes on one of the five African tickets available for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014.
The American born tactician will lead the Pharaons next week in the event’s away league playoffs against the Black Stars of Ghana. After the two-leg playoffs, the winners will secure their place in Brazil next year and Bradley wants to bring Egypt back in the World Cup since 1990. “We were disappointed not to qualify for CAN but the goal since I came to Egypt was always the World Cup. The players have responded to every challenge and believe we can get to the World Cup”, the coach said in an interview with cafonline.
Egypt coach Bob Bradley hailed his players for coping with the lack of domestic action as his side prepare for an anticipated clash against Ghana in the first leg of the World Cup qualifying playoff.
A second successive Egyptian Premier League was called off shortly after the army ousted President Mohamed Morsi on 3 July, disrupting the Pharaohs’ preparations for their World Cup qualifying campaign.
However, Egypt still managed to win all six games in Group G to advance to the final phase, where they will meet 2010 World Cup finalists Ghana over two legs.
“We needed to adjust without a league but the players deserve respect and admiration for the way they have handled everything,” American coach Bradley, who is tasked with helping Egypt qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1990
“We know Ghana is a strong team and we are focused on the first leg in Kumasi. Our staff has worked very hard on preparations for Ghana and we know their team very well,” Bradley added.
VIDEOS (in Arabic):
Mohamed Salah & El Nini comments on Ghana vs Egypt match
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E952-a5ujAI[/youtube]Hossam Ashor comments on the match
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZvCoWb0gxU[/youtube]Egypt staff interview:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF9VDiLenA4[/youtube]
