Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary still dreaming of reaching the World Cup

Essam El Hadary of Egypt celebrates after saving Bertrand Traore of Burkina Faso penalty in shootout, embraced by Mahmoud Abdelmoneim Kahraba during the 2017 African Cup of Nations Finals Afcon semifinal football match between Burkina Faso and Egypt at the Libreville Stadium in Gabon on 01 February 2017 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Sep 27, 2017. 13:30

Egyptian and Al-Tawoun goalkeeper, Essam El-Hadary has revealed his dream is to play at the FIFA World Cup.

The 44-year old says his appetite for success has not waned despite achieving 37 trophies in his football career.

El-Hadary wants to help the Pharaohs reach their first World Cup tournament in almost three decades.

"I did almost everything in my footballing career. I won 37 trophies and I enjoyed some remarkable moments such as our win over Italy at the 2009 Confederations Cup,” said El-Hadary to FIFA.com.

TINKLER PROUD OF CCC SEMIFINALISTS SUPERSPORT UNITED

“The only thing that is missing for me is a World Cup appearance.

"I've always been very determined and persistent to carry on playing; this is my character.

"The fact that I still have a chance to play at the World Cup makes me even more motivated to continue playing to realise this dream."

The Pharaohs lead Group E in the 2018 FIFA World Cup African qualifying campaign with nine points from four matches.

Should they beat the Red Devils of Congo at home and second-placed Uganda fail to beat Ghana next weekend (6-8 October), they will secure a spot in Russia.