Its 26 years since Egypt last qualified for a World Cup, where they bowed out in the group stages at Italia 1990.
For a country with a population of 82 million people, it doesn’t add up that the Pharaohs have failed to qualify for football’s biggest event since, despite being Africa’s most successful nation.
With two wins from two in their World Cup qualifying campaign so far, Egypt are now in pole position to re-write the history books and secure a place at Russia 2018.
Here, we look at four players who can inspire them to glory.
MOHAMED SALAH
Salah is Egypt’s most valuable player and one of the main men tasked with guiding the Pharaohs to a place at Russia 2018.
With 27 goals in 45 games, Salah is a totemic presence going forward and offers blistering pace to support Basem Morsi and Trezeguet up front.
Against Congo and Ghana, the Roma star scored crucial goals to lead Hector Cuper’s side to the top of Group E.
In the Serie A, the 24-year-old has been a revelation this season scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 12 games.
MOHAMED ELNENY
Another key player in this talented Egyptian side.
The Arsenal star offers boundless energy around the field and has the ability to bring players into the game from any attack with his crisp passing.
At 24, he is one of the finest central midfielders in Africa and also one of the marquee names they’ll be looking towards for innovation.
MAHMOUD HASSAN
Nicknamed Trezeguet for his physical resemblance to the former French striker, Hassan is another youngster who is central to Egypt’s World Cup prospects.
The 22-year-old was loaned out to Royal Mouscron from Anderlecht earlier this season, and has been in sterling form, with three goals and three assists in nine games.
Expect to hear a lot more about Hassan in the future.
RAMADAN SOBHI
A highly influential figure, Ramadan signed for Stoke City in July after an impressive two seasons at Al Ahly.
The 19-year-old has only played 10 times for Egypt but is one of the country’s most highly rated young players.
He scored a vital goal against Nigeria in March to earn his side a place in January’s African Cup of Nations.
