Egypt's regular defenders - Fathallah, Hani Saied and Wael Gomaa - were criticized for some disappointing displays in the Egyptian Premier League lately.

Zamalek duo Fathallah and Saied saw their team concede five goals in their last three matches.

Ahli's veteran defender Gomaa was also unable to help the Red Devils, who are closing in on a fifth consecutive title, keep opposing strikers at bay.

But Fathallah does not think such performances would have any effects on Sunday's Group C opener against Zambia in the qualifiers' final phase.

"Things are different. The circumstances at clubs and national teams are not the same," Fathallah told reporters who were attending Egypt's training camp in Alexandria.

"Even if we are not performing well with our clubs, fans should stand by us in such crucial time.

"I think coach Hassan Shehata knows what he is doing. He knows how to pick the players who will benefit the national team."

Fathallah has been an integral member of Egypt's squad since joining Zamalek in the summer of 2007.

He was part of the team's squad that won a second successive Nations Cup titles in 2008.