Egypt talking to Sweden for a friendly international

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Monday Nov 27, 2017. 13:30

Media reports in Egypt reval that the country's Football Association is engaged with top European national teams for friendly matches.

EFA chairman Hani Abou-Reida announced that they are in talks for friendlies as part of preparations for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but would wait until the final draw before finalising plans.

The Pharaohs secured a World Cup berth for the first time since 1990 after topping Group E with 13 points, finishing ahead of Uganda on nine.

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"There are ongoing talks with some European teams like Sweden to play friendlies ahead of the 2018 World Cup finals," Abou-Reida told a radio programme.

"There are also talks with South Korea from Asia but we are waiting for the World Cup draw," Abou-Reida said.

"After the draw we will know Cuper's plan for the preparation as well as whether he needs only one friendly or more because of the shortness of the period [before the start of the cup," the EFA boss added.

Meanwhile, the draw for the highly anticipated global showpiece will take place on December 1 in Moscow.