Egypt’s overseas-based players to join squad for first training session on 10 November

All of Egypt’s overseas-based players will take part in their first training session under head coach Ali Maher on Tuesday, 10 November, ahead of the two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi.

The squad includes Mohamed Salah of Trabzonspor, Tottenham forward Omar Marmoush, Barcelona striker Hamza Abdelkarim, Nordsjaelland player Ibrahim Adel, Celtic winger Haitham Hassan, Ludogorets defender Hossam Abdelmeguid and Nice centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem.

Maher has selected his first Egypt squad since replacing former Pharaohs manager Hossam Hassan. The new coach’s 26-man group does not include Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour, who remains out for technical reasons.

The squad also sees the return of Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh”, and Pyramids pair Nasser Maher and Mahmoud Marei.

Modern Sport striker Mahmoud Mamdouh has received his first call-up after becoming the leading scorer in the Egyptian Premier League with eight goals.

Abdel Aziz El Balouty was left out following El Shenawy’s return, while Omar Fayed has also been omitted after being called up during the previous international break as a replacement for the injured Hamdy Fathy.

Wakrah midfielder Fathy misses out this time because of injury. Al Ahly midfielder Ali Mahmoud, who made his Egypt debut during the last international break, is also absent.

Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” returns after recovering from the injury that ruled him out of the previous international window. Konyaspor striker Mostafa Mohamed remains unavailable and has not been selected since Egypt’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Egypt will face Malawi on 13 and 17 November in the third and fourth rounds of qualification. They are in Group B alongside Angola, South Sudan and Malawi.

Egypt lead the group on four points, ahead of Angola on goal difference. Malawi are third with three points, while South Sudan are bottom without a point.

The Pharaohs opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Angola in Cairo before recording a 5-0 away victory over South Sudan.

Egypt squad

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mehdy Soliman, Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Alaa.

Defenders: Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh”, Hossam Abdelmeguid, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Mahmoud Marei, Mohamed Hany, Karim Hafez, Ahmed Fattouh, Tarek Alaa.

Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Mohand Lasheen, Mahmoud Saber, Mohamed Shehata, Nasser Maher, Ibrahim Adel, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, Haitham Hassan.

Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Hamza Abdelkarim, Mahmoud Mamdouh.