After his superb performance with Ahly in Egypt Super Cup and the start of the premier League, veteran midfielder Hossam Ghaly is close to wearing Egypt's national team jersey. Egypt's national team's assistant coach Osama Nabih announced that the Ahly skipper is experienced enough to take part in the national team squad for the coming commitments. "Egypt national team coach Hector Cuper praised the performance of Ghaly and he believes that he will have an important mission with the Pharaohs," Nabih told a television programme on Sunday. The 33-year-old midfielder improved a superb performance with Ahly during the crowning in Egypt Super Cup, beating rivals Zamalek 3-2. Ghaly was part of Egypt's national team squad as he helped the team win the 2010 African Cup of Nations trophy, then he was left out of the Pharaohs squad. "I advise Ghaly not to retire from international football as he still has time to play and give more to the national team," the Egypt national team coach said. Egypt will open their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign against Chad after the latter scraped into the second round of the qualifiers on the away goal rule following a 2-2 aggregate draw with Sierra Leon. Based on their FIFA ranking, Egypt were given a bye into the second round, which will be played next month. The winners of the second-round games will be drawn into five four-team groups, with the leaders directly reaching the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia. (For more sports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/161879.aspx
