Javier Aguirre calls up 13 foreign-based players for Egypt
The main surprise was the recall of Vancouver Whitecaps’ Ali Ghazal, who has been absent from the Pharaohs over the past four years.
Egypt coach Javier Aguirre has called up 13 overseas-based players for the Pharaohs’ camp to prepare for the upcoming 2019 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Niger, scheduled for 8 September.
Earlier this month, the Mexican tactician took over from Héctor Cúper who left after Egypt’s disappointing performance at the World Cup in Russia.
Currently, the Pharaohs’ are fourth in 2019 Afcon qualifiers Group J with no points after losing 1-0 to Tunisia in June.
‘Niger is a big team and they are well prepared for the game, but I am working to win in order to have a good position in the qualifiers,’ Aguirre said in a press conference.
The other team in Group J is Swaziland, that shares the second position with Niger after a 0-0 draw.
The top two nations of each group will qualify for next year’s tournament.
Ghazal’s recall
One of the 13 foreign-based players that Aguirre included in his squad is Vancouver Whitecaps’ Ali Ghazal.
The defensive midfielder will return to the Pharaohs after a four-year absence. His last cap was in a 1-0 loss to Tunisia in September 2014.
Until now, only the 13 overseas-based players have been named. Aguirre is set to announce the full list on 31 August after the competition of the Egyptian League games.
Foreign-based players list:
Goalkeeper: Mohamed Awad (Al Wehda, Saudi Arabia).
Defenders: Ahmed Hegazy (West Bromwich, England), Amr Tarek (Orlando City, USA), Ahmed Al Mohammady (Aston Villa, England).
Midfielders: Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal, England) , Sam Morsy (Wigan Athletic, England), Aly Ghazal (Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada), Ramadan Sobhy (Huddersfield Town, England), Trezeguet (Kasimpasa, Turkey), Amr Warda (Paok, Greece), Hussein Al Shahat (Al-Ain, UAE).
Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England), Ahmed Hassan Koka (Olympiakos, Greece).