CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's new coach Hossam al-Badri is under early pressure as he begins his official career after a disappointing home draw with Kenya at the start of the 2021 African Nations Cup qualifiers last week.
Al-Badri will be required to return quickly to the right path, in the face of sharp criticism from the media after the lackluster start and come out with a 1-1 draw with Kenya.
Al-Badri will take the second test when he plays on Monday for the Comoros, who had a surprise in the first round by winning away to Togo.
The head of Egypt's mission to the Comoros, Gamal Mohamed Ali, said there was a strong focus between members of the technical staff and players "to reconcile the angry fans of the draw with Kenya."
"I talked to the players and asked them to perform together and to have a fighting and patriotic spirit," he added.
Egypt will play again without star striker Mohamed Salah because of injury, and Badri insisted on his position to exclude seven players from the Pyramids because of delays in joining the camp.
The first two teams from the group qualify for the 2021 World Cup finals in Cameroon.