The Egyptian national team is set to face South Africa on 26 March in a crucial 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier
The Pharaohs crew will travel to Johannesburg on 20 March to kick off their preparations for the game that will decide their place in the lead of continent teams.
Egypt wanted the game postponed until June because no domestic football has been possible since a popular uprising against the rule of Hosni Mubarak began two months ago, but South Africa insisted the fixture go ahead.
Hassan Shehata’s team will travel to South Africa without its Zamalek players due to participation in the CAF (Confederation of African Football) Champions League game against Tunisian side Club Africain on 20 March, the day the Egyptian crew will fly from Cairo.
Zamalek international players will travel from Tunisia to South Africa directly to join the national team on 22 March alongside the professional players, Dortmund’s Mohamed Ziadn, Ahmed Elmohamady from Premier League outfit Sunderland, and Ahmed Ali who plays for Saudi giants Al-Hilal, while El-Hadari will fly with the team from Cairo, according to Egypt assistant coach Hamada Sedky.
Egypt has won the last three African Cup of Nations (2006, 2008 and 2010) under the guidance of coach Hassan Shehata, but they are currently struggling to replicate their form in the qualifiers of the 2012 competition.
South Africa lead Group G with four points after two rounds followed by Niger (three), Sierra Leone (two) and title holders Egypt (one).
