FC Basel right-back Omar Gaber says t he’s ready for Egypt’s crucial match against Ghana in the second round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers on Sunday.
The Pharaohs will host the Black Stars at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria as Hector Cuper’s side will be hoping to win and take a step towards making their third World Cup appearance and their first since 1990.
According to Omar Gaber 24,majority of the national team players are accustomed to playing with each other as they were together in the youth teams before playing for the senior national team.
“The players are capable of withstanding pressure and bearing responsibility, and we hope we can make the Egyptian fans happy with a victory over Ghana,” the Egypt international midfielder told ON Sports satellite channel.
“It’s a very important game. We play to win and aim to widen the gap with Ghana to five points and take a positive a step towards reaching the World Cup,” he said.
Egypt will also be looking to avenge their loss against Ghana in 2013, when they failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup after suffering a 6-1 defeat to the Black Stars in the first leg of the final round of the qualifiers.
“I think this result can never happen again. This match was played in special circumstances,” Gaber said.
The former Zamalek player confirmed that he’s fit to play against Ghana, despite being substituted after picking up an injury during his side’s game against Paris Saint-Germain.
“I played five matches out of my club’s [FC Basel] last six. I came off injured against Paris Saint-Germain but the medical staff told me that I’m fit to play and now I’m ready for Ghana,” he added.
Egypt defeated Congo 2-1 in the first round wiles Ghana were held to a disappointing goalless drawn game by the Cranes of Uganda at the Tamale sports stadium.
