Egyptian league players make early impact in September-October international break

Twenty players from the Egyptian Premier League have joined their national teams during the current September and October 2026 international break, contributing one goal and two assists after the opening round of African qualifiers and international friendlies up to Sunday, 28 September.

Palestine

Eight Egyptian-based players were included in Palestine’s squad: Wajdi Nabhan of ZED, Zaid Al Dabbagh and Adam Kaied of Zamalek, Khaled Al-Nabris of Ceramica Cleopatra, Omeed Swafteh of Al Masry, and Badr Mousa and Abdul Hadi Rashid of Petrojet, along with Hamed Hamdan of Pyramids.

Palestine drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening friendly at the China friendly tournament. Al Dabbagh scored the equaliser, taking his international tally to 18 goals and making him Palestine’s all-time leading scorer.

Palestine will face China on 2 October as part of their preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Algeria, Mauritania and Uganda

Al Ahly striker Monsef Bekrar was named in Algeria’s squad for matches against Zambia and Burundi. He remained an unused substitute as Algeria won their opening qualifier 3-1 against Zambia under new manager Ibrahim Hamdani.

Algeria travel to face Burundi on Tuesday at 16:00 in the second round of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

New Al Mokawloon player Idrissa Thiam started for Mauritania in their 3-1 victory over Central African Republic and was substituted in the 66th minute. Mauritania next meet Benin at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday.

Ittihad Alexandria midfielder Kenneth Semakula played as Uganda drew 1-1 with Tunisia in Rades. Uganda face Libya on Wednesday, seeking their first win in the group.

Zambia and Benin

Zamalek winger Pascal Virey and El Gouna midfielder David Simukonda were included in Zambia’s squad. Simukonda came on at half-time against Algeria and assisted Fashion Sakala’s 57th-minute equaliser, although Algeria eventually won 3-1. Virey did not play.

Zambia host Togo on Tuesday in the second round.

Al Mokawloon midfielder Doko Dodo and Smouha midfielder Atadjiko Samadou both came on during the second half of Benin’s 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso. They are preparing to face Mauritania on Tuesday in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Other national teams

El Gouna defender Alpha Touray played the full match as Sierra Leone lost 3-2 to Zimbabwe. He is expected to face Equatorial Guinea in the second round on Monday.

Pyramids player Odeh Fakhouri started Jordan’s 1-1 friendly draw with Syria and set up Ali Olwan’s 38th-minute goal. Jordan will play Venezuela on 6 October while preparing for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Smouha’s Clement Niyingena was an unused substitute as Rwanda beat Liberia 3-1 and will meet Cape Verde on Tuesday.

Al Masry’s Ali Suleiman created Eritrea’s goal in a 1-1 away draw with Kenya after applying pressure to a defender. Eritrea, managed by Hisham Yakan, next face South Africa under coach Pitso Mosimane.

Zamalek winger Chico Banza played the final 20 minutes of Angola’s draw with Egypt at Cairo Stadium, replacing Zito Luvumbo. Angola face Malawi on 6 October.