Egypt coach Hector Cuper has called up 14 foreign-based players for the much-anticipated 2018 World Cup qualifier against Congo, scheduled for 8 October. The Pharaohs and Congo will meet in Group E in the tournament's fifth matchday at Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria. Among those called up again are Amr Gamal, who joined South Africa's Bidvest Wits on loan from Ahly. However, Atromitos forward Amr Warda will continue to be excluded, having also missed Egypt's match against Uganda on 5 September, while Basel midfielder Omar Gaber who was benched in the last game will miss Congo game. 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 on 8 October, they 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: Goalkeeper: 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). (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sportsand on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
