After loosing to Tunisia in the semis in a bitter way, Egypt will be looking to console their fans as the Pharaohs  meet hosts Qatar in the FIFA Arab Cup third-place playoff on Saturday. the game is kicking off 10:00 GMT at Stadium 974.

A last-gasp own goal from midfielder Amr El-Sulaya condemned Egypt to a painful exit against Tunisia, leaving a bitter taste in the mouth of the team’s demanding fans.

Coach Carlos Queiroz came under fire for fielding several players in unfamiliar positions even though he admitted before the tournament that he would use it to try out different strategies ahead of the African Nations Cup and the crucial World Cup qualifying playoff.

For Egypt, finishing third would be a scant consolation. However, Queiroz is aware he can’t afford a second straight loss.

“Tomorrow (Saturday) we will face Qatar. The game will be to us like playing a World Cup final. Because Qatar is the World Cup host. And they have been preparing themselves for six years. And they participated in Copa America and other big tournaments.” The Portuguese tactician told the pre-match news conference.

“I have known the Qatar national team well for 11 years. I do not only follow them, but I played against them a lot. They are a team that is developing well. And they have a distinctive style.”

Qatar also lost to Algeria in the semis following a dramatic affair, in which they conceded a goal from Youcef Belaili 17 minutes into a lengthy stoppage time.

“We are determined to beat Qatar to make it up for our fans.” Said Egypt skipper and Saudi Arabia-based defender Ahmed Hegazi.

Egypt last met Qatar in a friendly game in 2013, which the Pharaohs won 3-1.

Egypt’s starting lineup

1             MOHAMED ELSHENAWY

3             OMAR KAMAL

13           AHMED FATOUH

15           MAHMOUD HAMDY

18           MOHAMED ABDELMONEIM

4             AMRO ELSOULIA (C)

5             HAMDY FATHY

17           MOHANAD LASHEEN

7             AHMED REFAAT

9             MOHAMED SHERIF

21           ZIZO

Qatar Starting XI