Egypt midfielder Ibrahim Salah Abdel-Fattah has reminded his teammates how important is the game against Ghana in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, as they seek to qualify for their first tournament since 1990.

The Pharaohs recorded a crucial 2-1 away win over Congo last month in the opening group game while Ghana were held to a goalless draw by Uganda in Tamale.

The North Africans will host the Black Stars at Borg El-Arab Stadium on November 13.

A win for the hosts will hand them six points, five points clear above Ghana and a huge advantage to make it to Russia.

“The game is really important for Egyptian football and I hope for a win to make the World Cup qualifiers easier for us,” Salah told ON Sport.

“I thank Hector Cuper for his trust. He didn’t have enough time to add new players to the national team and that’s why every player in the team understands what he is trying to do.

“I’m very proud to represent Egypt and I can do anything for the national team even if they asked me to gather the balls or the players’ shoes,” the 29-year-old said.

He added: “I don’t care if I will play against Ghana or not, all I care about is to qualify to the World Cup.”

Egypt coach Cuper has had some injury concerns ahead of the game but Ghana also missed captain Asamoah Gyan and Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah through injuries.

The Black Stars opened camp in Dubai on Sunday after cancelling their plans to stay in Tutkey due to changes in weather conditions.

Goal understands that coach Avram Grant arrived in Dubai on Monday to join the rest of the backroom staff. The team is expected to leave for Alexandria on November 11.