Egypt kicked off their FIFA Arab Cup campaign against Lebanon on Wednesday but the main focus of coach Carlos Queiroz remains preparing his side for the anticipated World Cup qualifying playoff in March.
Queiroz said his side would launch a title assault in Qatar but that what matters most is how the team can take full advantage of the tournament to get ready for the two-legged playoff.
"The Arab Cup arrives as a great opportunity to prepare our Team and Players for the playoff in March," the Portuguese coach said on Twitter.
"Our World Cup final is in March. We are going to do everything to improve, to be better, and to put the Egyptian shirt always in a higher position."
Egypt was drawn in Group D of the Arab Cup along with Lebanon, Algeria and Sudan.
The Pharaohs will play without some of their prized assets, including Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah, Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, Stuttgart winger Omar Marmoush and Galatasaray striker Mostafa Mohamed.
With the team mainly comprised of locally-based players, Queiroz will have a chance to test some new faces before the African Cup of Nations gets underway in January.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
