Shawky Gharib has revealed his first squad since assuming the role late last year, succeeding Bob Bradley. In a bold move, the new Egyptian coach has recalled veteran goalkeeper Essam El Hadary and Ahmed ElMohamady, both of whom were sidelined during Bradley’s tenure.
This signals a new era for Egyptian football, which has faced challenges including missing the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and failing to qualify for the 2014 World Cup after a disappointing defeat against Ghana. While legendary player Aboutrika is no longer in the squad, there is still quality in players like Mohamed Salah, the new Chelsea signing.
Egypt will face Bosnia in a friendly match on March 5th.
Here’s the squad:
Goalkeepers: Essam El-Hadary (Wadi Degla), Sherif Ekramy (Ahly), Ahmed El-Shenawy (Masry)
Defenders: Ali Ghazal (Nacional de Madeira – Portugal), Rami Rabiea (Ahly), Shawky El-Said (Ismaily), Ahmed Said ‘Oka’, Tarek Hamed (Smouha), Ahmed Fathi (Ahly), Ahmed El-Mohamady (Hull City), Mohamed Farouk (Arab Contractors), Ahmed Hamody (Smouha), Ibrahim Hassan (Ismaily)
Midfielders: Mohamed El-Neny (Basel – Switzerland), Hossam Ghaly (Lierse – Belgium), Saleh Gomaa (Nacional de Madeira – Portugal), Ibrahim Abdel-Khalek (Smouha)
Forwards: Mohamed Nagy ‘Gedo’ (Ahly), Mohamed Salah (Chelsea – England), Mohamed Ragab (Petrojet), Amr Gamal (Ahly), and Khaled Kamar (Ittihad El-Shorta)
