CAIRO: Borussia Dortmund striker Mohamed Zidan wasn't called up for Egypt s friendly against Benin on Nov. 19, despite settling disagreements with Coach Hassan Shehata. Shehata has named five abroad-based players in the Pharaohs squad taking part in the warm-up game. The 59-year-old tactician picked Amr Zaki (Wigan Athletic), Ahmed "Mido Hossam (Middlesbrough), Essam Al-Hadari (Sion), Emad Meteb (Ittihad Jeddah) and Hosni Abd-Rabou (Ahly Dubai). Middlesborough midfielder Mohamed Shawki will also miss the game due to a thigh injury. According to assistant coach Shawki Gharib, the six-time African champions will gather for the game on Nov. 15. Gharib added that the chosen players from Ahly will be only unveiled after the African Champions league final to make sure they are all fit for the game. The game is a part of Egypt s preparations for the World Cup qualifications final group round which starts against Zambia late March 2009. The Pharaohs have been drawn in Group C alongside Algeria, Zambia and Rwanda, and many pundits believe they have a substantial opportunity to secure a berth in the gigantic championship for the first time since 1990.
