The Pharaohs, who share Group 12 lead with Congo on nine points, will be seeking to grab an away win to move close to securing a place in the next round.

Egypt's 1-0 defeat to Malawi in June has alerted the team's technical staff that their progress can't be taken for granted.

And a crushing 4-0 defeat to Sudan in a friendly game last month further worried Egyptian fans.

However, Gharib stressed that the players are determined to make up for their recent disappointments.

"The players dispelled the memories of their defeat against Sudan," he told FilGoal.com on Wednesday.

"They are aware that Egypt's position in the qualifiers is somehow critical. The match against DR Congo could prove to be a turning point."

Malawi lie third in the group with six points, just three short of Egypt and DR Congo.

A complicated qualifying process sees the 12 group winners as well as the eight best second-placed qualify for the next round.