Egypt Names 26-Man Squad Ahead of Crucial Clash with Senegal
Egypt coach Shawky Gharib has announced a 26-man squad ahead of the Pharaohs’ decisive 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Senegal on November 14 in Cairo. After a slow start to the campaign, Egypt has climbed to 6 points, just one behind Senegal. A win would see them leapfrog the Lions of Teranga in the standings with one matchday remaining.
Notable Selections and Absences:
With regular goalkeepers Ekramy and Amir Abdel Hamed injured, Gharib has surprised many by calling up young Ali Lotfi (ENPPI) instead of veteran Essam El Hadary.
Emad Meteb, the experienced Al Ahly striker, returns to the national team for the first time in over a year.
A number of new or lesser-known players are also given a chance, including Arafa Al Sayed, Momen Zakaria, Mahmoud Hassan, and Mohamed Salem.
🧤 Goalkeepers
Ahmed El Shenawy (Zamalek)
Mohamed Sobhi (Smouha)
Ali Lotfi (ENPPI)
🛡️ Defenders
Ahmed Elmohamady (Hull City)
Hazem Emam (Zamalek)
Shawky Al Saied (Ismaily)
Ali Gabr (Zamalek)
Ahmed Fathy (Umm Salal, Qatar)
Sabri Rahil (Al Ahly)
Bahaa Magdi (Ismaily)
Salah Soliman (ENPPI)
⚙️ Midfielders
Amr Al Solyia (Ismaily)
Ibrahim Salah (Zamalek)
Hossam Ghaly (Al Ahly)
Mohamed El Neny (FC Basel)
Ibrahim Abdel Khalek (Smouha)
Mahmoud Hassan (Al Ahly)
Walid Soliman (Al Ahly)
Momen Zakaria (Zamalek)
⚔️ Forwards
Ahmed Hamoudi (FC Basel)
Mohamed Salah (Chelsea)
Emad Meteb (Al Ahly)
Arafa Al Sayed (El Gaish)
Khaled Kamar (Zamalek)
Mohamed Salem (Arab Contractors)
All eyes will now turn to Cairo on November 14, where Egypt will look to continue their comeback under Gharib and push for qualification to the CAN 2015 finals.
