The Zamalek striker has been recalled by Shehata for the first time since March, despite the uncertainty surrounding his fitness.
“I am grateful to coach Shehata for his confidence in me. I hope to impress him in the Angola finals,” Mido said
“Many reports claimed that my future with the national team is in doubt and that my relationship with Shehata is poor, but this call-up silenced all skeptics.
“I respect Shehata as a manager and as a person; we’ve been talking a lot recently.”
After announcing his roster, Shehata conceded that Mido will have a fitness test at the weekend, before he can be declared fit for the African showpiece next month.
The on-loan Middlesbrough forward sustained a back injury in Zamalek’s 1-0 league victory over Mansoura on Sunday.
Shehata’s Faith
Another Zamalek player who was relieved to preserve his Egypt place is Hani Saied, who is struggling to get first-team football under new boss Hossam Hassan.
“It proves that coach Shehata has faith in me. He has selected me even though I was not playing regularly with my club recently,” said the Egypt sweeper.
“My Zamalek status has been over-discussed by the media, I only missed three matches and I respect the management’s decision anyway.”
Zamalek Form
In the same context, Zamalek full-back Mohamed Abdul-Shafi was glad to earn his first Egypt call-up as he believes that the White Knights’ recent form played a role.
“Zamalek’s recent revival helped us all as players. So I think it is fair that I was called up,” said the former Ghazl Mahalla defender.
“I hope we can keep it going with Zamalek and I hope to become Egypt’s number one left-back.”
