CUPER names EGYPT squad for World Cup qualifiers against CONGO

Egypt’s national-team manager Hector Cuper has called up 10 local-based players to his squad for the much-anticipated 2018 World Cup qualifier against Congo, which takes place at Alexandria’s Borg El-Arab Stadium on 8 October.

Seven players from Ahly, including goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy, have made the squad, representing the largest group from a single Egyptian-league side. Three players from Zamalek have also received the call-up.

No other Egyptian clubs are represented in Cuper’s 25-man squad, as all 15 of Egypt’s foreign-based players were already selected for the Congo match.

“A presser will be held on Monday in the Cairo camp before heading to Alexandria,” the team’s administrative manager said on the Egyptian Football Association’s Facebook page.

Egypt should officially qualify if they beat Congo in Alexandria and second-placed Uganda stumble against Ghana in the same round.

Seven-time African Cup of Nations champions Egypt are bidding for their third-ever World Cup appearance, ending 28 years of failing to qualify for the prestigious tournament.

Egypt’s Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Essam El-Hadary (Taawoun, Saudi), Sherif Ekramy (Ahly) and Ahmed El-Shennawy (Zamalek)

Defenders: Saad Samir (Ahly), Rami Rabia (Ahly), Ali Gabr (Zamalek) and Ahmed Fathi (Ahly), Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa, England), Mohamed Abdel-Shafi (Ahly Jeddah, KSA), Ahmed Hegazy (West Bromwich, England), Karim Hafiz (Lens, France)

Midfielders: Tarek Hamed (Zamalek), Hossam Ashour (Ahly), Abdallah El-Said (Ahly) and Saleh Gomaa (Ahly), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal, England), Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan (Kasimpasa, Turkey), Sam Morsi (Wigan, England), Ramadan Sobhi (Stoke City, England)

Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England), Ahmed Koka (Sporting Braga, Portugal), Mostafa Fathi (Taawoun, Saudi), Mahmoud Kahraba (Ittihad Jeddah, KSA), Amr Gamal (Bidvest Wits, South Africa).