Hector Cuper calls 14 foreign-based player for Congo clash

Mohamed Elneny of Egypt during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Mali and Egypt at the Port Gentil Stadium in Gabon on 17 January 2017 ©Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Sep 20, 2017. 12:30

Ahead of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Congo, Egypt coach Hector Cuper has called up 14 foreign-based players for the encounter.

The Pharaohs mentor has started preparing for the Group E clash set for Sunday, October 8 at Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

Egyptian media reports indicated that among those called up again is South African-based Amr Gamal, who joined Bidvest Wits on loan from Al Ahly.

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Topping Group E with nine points, the Pharaohs are looking for a victory over Congo to boost their chances of a place in the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

If Egypt win the encounter, they will only need Ghana to beat Uganda in their next Group E clash to ensure a place in Russia next year.

Egypt last made it to the World Cup in 1990 and hope to end their 28-year wait with an appearance in Russia.

The 14 foreign-based players

Goalkeepers: Essam El-Hadary (Taawoun, Saudi)

Defenders: Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa, England), Mohamed Abdel-Shafi (Ahly Jeddah, KSA), Ahmed Hegazy (West Bromwich, England), Karim Hafiz (Lens, France)

Midfielders: 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).