Nagi backs out-of-form Ekramy, El-Shennawy

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Dec 13, 2017. 17:30

Out-of-form Egyptian goalkeepers Ahmed El-Shennawi and Sherif Ekramy have received the backing of goalkeeper coach Ahmed Nagi.

The duo is currently experiencing a loss of form and Nagi says he is confident the keepers will regain their confidence before next year's 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Zamalek's El-Shennawi was criticised after committing two costly errors in his team's 3-1 defeat by Maqassa and a 1-1 draw with lowly Ragaa in their previous two Egyptian Premier League games.

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On the other hand, Al Ahly's Ekramy was also vilified by the team's fans following a number of blunders when he spilled a tame free-kick into his own net during a 2-2 CAF Champions League draw with Tunisia's Esperance.

"I'm not worried about the performance of El-Shennawi and Ekramy," Nagi said.

"Both are good keepers and I'm sure they will regain their top form before the World Cup.

"I know that Ahly and Zamalek fans are expecting a lot from their keepers but I'm not worried. We have seven months before the World Cup and we will work with them."

Veteran 44-year-old goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has been the Pharaohs' preferred choice between the sticks lately.

However, coach Hector Cuper refused to confirm if El-Hadary would remain his first-choice goalie at the expense of El-Shennawi and Ekramy.