Tough-talking Egyptian national team coach Hector Cuper is wary of the pshological damage the Black Stars inflicted on his side during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers but insists that the only way to dispel this is through hard work.
Cuper praised the quality of his 23-man squad but added that he could not guarantee victories because he is not a magician.
The game brings back memories of 2014 World Cup qualifier decider in Kumasi three years ago when the Pharaohs were hammerd 6-1 in the first-leg play-off.
"I trust my squad and we are confident in our abilities to win," the Argentinean manager said during a press conference held Sunday, also revealing a new sponsor for the team.
"Ghana is a big team but the 6-1 result is exceptional and rarely happens in football," he said.
"I am no magician and if I were, so why we work? There is no one way to win. I trust my players who are determined to clinch the three points," Cuper explained.
Egypt has made a good start in the World Cup qualifiers with an away win against Congo, while Ghana were held to a disappointing goalless draw at home by minnows Uganda.
"Injuries make me sad but I trust the substitutes. I believe in the team as a whole, not individuals. I don't care about any statement made by the Ghanaians," Cuper added.
The Pharaohs are leading Group E with three points, two ahead of second-placed Ghana
The second round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers is scheduled for November 13 at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.