The African champions produced scintillating displays in South Africa to close in on a place in the Confederations Cup semi-final.

They suffered a cruel 4-3 defeat to Brazil in their Group B opener before causing a major upset by beating world champions Italy 1-0.

In stark contrast, Egypt stumbled in their first two games in the World Cup qualifiers final phase, drawing with Zambia at home and losing at Algeria.

"We are doing great in the Confederations Cup, but reaching the World Cup is our real and most important target," Shehata told Dream TV on Friday.

"I put skipper Ahmed Hassan on the bench against Italy because he will not be available for our next World Cup qualifier against Rwanda after picking up two yellow cards.

"I'm trying to settle on the best possible line up for the Rwanda game."

In the World Cup qualifiers, Egypt lie at the bottom of Group C on one point, three behind joint leaders Algeria and Zambia.

But they still have destiny in their own hands.

Egypt will secure their place in the quadrennial tournament if they win their remaining four games against Rwanda (two matches), Algeria and Zambia.

"We can't afford to lose a single point in the upcoming games. Any stumble will demolish our hopes," Shehata added.