Al-Saqqa named in Egypt provisional squad
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 – 12:22
By: Sherif Tarek
 | |
Eskisehirspor defender Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa has been named in Egypt’s provisional squad for their crucial World Cup qualifier with Algeria to fill the void left by the absence of Wael Gomaa.
Ahli veteran Gomaa has been ruled out of the pivotal game through automatic suspension, which is considered to be a big blow to the Pharaohs’ backline.
However, Gomaa was recalled to the squad in case a win for Egypt by a two-goal margin prompted a qualifying playoff game.
Al-Saqqa’s last competitive participation with his country was in the 2006 African Cup of Nations.
The 34-year-old was named in Egypt’s provisional squad for the exhibition match against Oman on May 30th, but was omitted from the final list.
Al-Saqqa has repeatedly voiced his disgruntlement with his lack of participation on the international stage.
But Gomaa’s unavailability has given him a chance to revive his glorious days with the African champions.
Zamalek goalie Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed was also called up to the squad instead of Ittihad’s Al-Hani Soliman.
Earlier, Emad Meteb returned to Egypt’s fold for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury last April while playing on loan at Saudi giants Ittihad.
Borussia Dortmund forward Mohamed Zidan, who fell out of favor with coach Hassan Shehata after skipping a friendly game against Guinea in August, was also named for the eagerly-awaited meeting against Algeria.
Egypt’s provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Essam Al-Hadari – Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed – Mahmoud Aboul-So’oud.
Defenders: Hani Saied – Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa – Sherif Abdul-Fadil – Ahmed Saied ‘Ouka’ – Al-Moatasem Salem – Wael Gomaa.
Midfielders: Ahmed Fathi – Ahmed Al-Muhammadi – Sayed Moawad – Abdul-Aziz Tawfeek – Ahmed Hassan – Mohamed Soliman – Hosni Abd-Rabou – Mohamed Shawki – Mohamed Shaban – Ahmed Eid – Mohamed Barakat – Mohamed Abou-Treika.
Strikers: Amr Zaki – Mohamed Zidan – Emad Moteab – Ahmed Raouf.
