The Pharaohs’ squad and coaching staff were hosted by the country’s president at the presidential palace on Saturday, one day before heading to Russia to make Egypt’s first World Cup appearance since 1990.

The meeting, which was also attended by board members of the Egyptian Football Association and the sports minister, lasted for around an hour.

“The president wished the national team success at the World Cup…and asked all the members of the delegation to do their best to make the Egyptian people happy,” an official statement released by the president’s office read.

Sisi also said he believed the Egyptian delegation were aware of the responsibilities that fell on their shoulders.

During the meeting, Egypt’s star Mohamed Salah told the president that he’s recovering well from the shoulder injury he picked up during the UEFA Champions League final, revealing he’s close to being fully fit and that he’ll fight to represent Egypt in the World Cup and make the Egyptians’ dreams come true.

Egypt, who have been drawn in Group A, will kick off their World Cup group stage campaign against Uruguay on June 15. They will then play against hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia on June 19 and June 25.

Egypt’s squad returned to Cairo from Brussels on Thursday after ending their pre-World Cup training camp, which saw them draw with Kuwait and Colombia and lose to Belgium.

They will hold an open training session in Cairo on Saturday night at the Cairo International Stadium, before heading on Sunday morning to Grozny, Egypt’s base for the World Cup.