South Africa vs Egypt: Key players

Ahead of Saturday's 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier between Egypt and South Africa, Ahram Online looks at key players from the two sides

Egypt
Ahmed Elmohamady
Nicknamed ‘Elmo' in England, the Sunderland winger was included in the African Best XI in 2010 and described as a good ambassador for Egypt and Africa in Europe.
Elmohamady earned a permanent stay at the English Premier League side Sunderland, after producing a string of fine displays in his first season in the elite competition. “There's still much more to come from him,” said the Black Cats' coach Steve Bruce.
He is burdened with the task of causing menace to South Africa's backline, given that he is one of the few Egyptian players who have played on a regular basis in the past three months.
Elmohamady's pinpoint crosses, penetration and pace are likely to be valuable assets for Egypt.
Mohamed Abou-Treika
Despite his relatively old age, Abou-Treika remains Ahly's most influential player, thanks to his neat passes which break down the toughest ofdefences.
Abou-Treika is one of the Egyptian Premier League players who has been out of action for the past two months due to the popular revolt in the country, but his experience remains valuable in such high-profile encounters.
A two-time African Cup of Nations winner, the ‘Egyptian Zidane' can play a key role in lifting Egypt past the Bafana Bafana.
Mohamed Zidan
He handed Egypt a major boost after recovering from a broken rib injury to become the only reliable striker at the disposal of coach Hassan Shehata.
Zidan made his first Bundesliga appearance in a month when he came on as a second-half substitute in Borussia Dortmund's 1-1 draw with Mainz last weekend.
He was instrumental in helping Egypt win a record seventh Nations Cup in 2010, scoring a superb goal in the semi-final victory over Algeria and dishing out several assists. In March 2010, he scored Egypt's only goal in a 3-1 friendly defeat at England at Wembley Stadium.
South Africa:
Steven Pienaar
The South Africa skipper has been in impressive form this season in the Premier League and moved to heavyweight Tottenham from Everton last January. The polyvalent midfielder can play on either the right or left wing.
The new South Africa captain, who replaced deposed Aaron Mokoena last week, was part of the team that took part in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups.
The 29-year old is undergoing intensive treatment to be ready for the critical Group G match at home to Egypt after suffering a groin injury that forced him to miss Tottenham's goal-less draw with West Ham last weekend.
Siphiwe Tshabalala
Tshabalala, a left winger who plays for South African club Kaizer Chiefs, was part of the Bafana Bafana squad at the 2006 and 2008 African Nations Cups and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
He made his South Africa debut in a friendly against Egypt in January 2006, which his side won 2-1 in Cairo.
Tshabalala's goal against Mexico in the 2010 World Cup was nominated for the Goal of the Year award by world governing body FIFA.
The 26-year-old is nursing a hamstring injury but he hopes to fully recover in time to take part in the anticipated clash against Egypt.
Bernard Parker
Striker Parker is currently playing for Greece outfit Panserraikos.
He received the man of the match award in the game against New Zealand in the 2009 Confederations Cup after scoring both goals in the 2-0 victory. Parker played in the 2010 World Cup on home soil but the team were eliminated from the group stage.
The 25-year-old shoulders his side's hopes of breaking down Egypt'sdefenceand scoring a precious goal.