AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Al Ahly ask Egypt to release six players ahead of South Africa friendly

Al Ahly have reportedly asked the Egyptian national team to release their players from international duty ahead of the Pharaohs’ friendly against South Africa on October 6.

The request comes with the Cairo giants concerned that their players could have insufficient recovery time before the highly anticipated derby against Zamalek following the international break.

Egypt’s schedule currently includes three matches during the international window, with the South Africa friendly coming after their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan.

The Pharaohs were held to a goalless draw by Angola in their opening qualifier on Friday and are expected to face South Sudan before turning their attention to Pitso Mosimane’s South Africa side.

According to Ysscores, Al Ahly believe the additional fixture against the Bafana Bafana could place an unnecessary physical burden on their players at a crucial stage of the club season.

Six Al Ahly players in Egypt squad

Al Ahly currently have six players within the Egypt squad.

Mostafa Shobair, Marwan Attia, Mohamed Hany, Imam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Ali Mahmoud are all part of the national team setup and could feature during the international window.

The club is reportedly keen for the players to return to Cairo earlier rather than remain with the Pharaohs for the full schedule.

Al Ahly’s concern is centred on player recovery, with the Zamalek fixture looming after the international break.

A shortened turnaround between international duty and the derby could leave the players with limited time to recover and prepare with their club teammates.

The request therefore places Egypt’s national-team plans and Al Ahly’s domestic commitments in direct competition, particularly with the South Africa friendly regarded as an additional fixture beyond the competitive AFCON qualifying matches.

Salah already released from camp

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah has already departed the Egypt camp and will not feature against South Sudan.

The Liverpool forward’s departure was agreed with the national team’s technical staff as part of an arrangement to manage his workload.

Salah’s absence reduces Egypt’s attacking options for the upcoming qualifier, while Al Ahly’s request could further affect the Pharaohs’ squad for the October 6 friendly.

Egypt’s coaching staff must now balance preparations for their AFCON qualifying campaign with the demands of the international schedule and the physical condition of their players.

For Al Ahly, the priority is ensuring their key players return in sufficient time to prepare for the derby against Zamalek, making the October 6 fixture a significant point of concern for the club.