Egypt players are not in the right frame of mind following a shocking 3-1 defeat to Algeria last weekend in the World Cup qualifiers.

"The Egyptian FA board members, in addition to president Samir Zaher, sat down with the players to help them overcome the Algeria match woes," Taher told FilGoal.com.

"We told them they have to play well and produce a spirited display, but they don't have to win."

The Pharaohs will have a mountain to climb if they are to spring a surprise and reach the Confederations Cup semi-finals.

They open their campaign against five-time world champions Brazil in South African city Bloemfontein before taking on World Cup winners Italy three days later.

Egypt conclude the group stage against Gold Cup winners the United States on June 21st.