The Pharaohs, who aim the reach the World Cup for the first time since 1990, open their Group C campaign against Zambia in the qualifiers' final phase.

"We can't play without our fans' presence. I hope they will fill the stadium," the Ahli midfielder said on Thursday.

"Their support might make the difference. We will do our best to win this match to kick off our campaign in the best possible way."

Egyptian FA spokesman Medhat Shalabi said tickets were selling fast.

"Fans are turning out in large numbers to buy tickets for the anticipating clash against Zambia," he said on Modern Sport.

Egyptian fans usually fill the 74,100-seat Cairo Stadium to support the six-time African champions on big occasions.

The venue will be closed after the game to undergo renovations ahead of the U-20 World Cup that will take place in Egypt in September.