OFFICIAL: Egypt will play Portugal on March 23rd 2017 | Friendly

Egypt’s national football team will play two friendlies against Portugal and Bulgaria in March in preparation for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Egyptian Football Association boss Hani Abou-Reida announced late Saturday.

“Egypt will hold a preparatory camp in Switzerland in March for the 2018 World Cup finals,” Abou-Reida told a TV reporter.

“Egypt will play two friendlies during the camp; the first will be against Portugal on 23 March and the second will be against Bulgaria on the 27th of the same month,” he added.

“The second preparatory camp for Egypt national team will be in Austria and we will play another two friendlies,” Abou-Reida added.

The Pharaohs were paired with Saudi Arabia, hosts Russia and South American powerhouse Uruguay in Group A following last week’s World Cup draw in Moscow.

Portugal were drawn in Group B alongside Spain, Morocco and Iran. Bulgaria failed to reach the tournament’s finals after placing 4th in Group A of the qualifiers.

The 2018 World Cup finals will take place in Russia from 14 June to 15 July.