Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary banking on Mohamed Salah impact

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Jun 19, 2018. 10:00

Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary believes the availability of star attacker Mohamed Salah will be vital for them as they tackle hosts Russia.

The Pharaohs are set to meet the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts on Tuesday and the veteran keeper was speaking in the press conference about their adventure.

El-Hadary was surprisingly excluded from the starting line-up against Uruguay in the first fixture, and once he participates in the competition, he will become the oldest player to ever take part of the World Cup.

Speaking to the media, the experienced keeper shared their plans as they hope to bag their first win this year’s global showpiece.

“All players are very happy because we are at the World Cup. All the Egyptian people as well as the technical staff, we are all happy to be in Russia,” said El-Hadary.

“We hope that God will be on our side, that’s what we are wishing for, only God’s help. However, we have prepared ourselves very well.

“We know very well why we are here, and we are determined to win our tie against Russia as it is our hope to qualify.

“We hope Mohammed Salah will be fit and ready to play as he will be crucial in the game tomorrow, just like the rest of the players.”

The Pharaohs will face the hosts at Saint Petersburg Stadium, and Salah is declared fit for the challenge as Egypt are hoping they will claim their first win ever in the competition.