Facts and records

-The match takes place at the Army Stadium in Alexandria and will be played behind closed doors for security reasons.

-Should Bob Bradley guide his team to victory, it will be the first time for an Egypt manager to win his first three competitive games in charge since 2000.

-The record belongs to Frenchman Gerard Gili, who led Egypt to back-to-back Nations Cup victories over Zambia, Senegal and Burkina Faso in Ghana/Nigeria 2000.

-If striker Ahmed Temsah played on Friday, he will become the highest-capped member of the Egypt squad under Bradley’s management so far, having won all his 11 caps during the American's reign.

-Egypt striker Geddo - the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer - is still looking for his first competetive goal since the Angola finals.

-Central African Republic have never won a qualifying match away from home, lost six and drew one.

-Algerian referee Djamel Haimoudi will be the man with the whistle on Friday night.

-The last time Haimoudi was in charge of an Egypt match was during a 2006 World Cup qualifier in Libya, where he handed out seven bookings and a red card in the Libyans’ 2-1 win.

Quotes

Bradley looking for third straight win

Egypt coach Bob Bradley

“I know they are a good team and had a good campaign in the last edition of qualifiers where they had some good results against the likes of Morocco and Algeria.

“As I said before African football has developed a lot and there are no minnows on the continent anymore. I followed some games for Central African Republic and they're a respectable team.”

Central African Republic defender Kelly Youga

"We have to be strong, united and try to pick up at least a point, or a win if we can. If we can get a point away from home that will be great because at home nobody can beat us - we are very strong. "

Team news

Egypt will once again be without defense stalwart Wael Gomaa, who has just recovered from a calf injury.

Striker Emad Meteb was ruled out with an ear infection as captain Ahmed Hassan has not been called up following his thigh injury earlier this month.

Defensive midfielder Mohamed Shawky, who started against Guinea, could be making way as Bradley is likely to field a more attacking side.