CAIRO: Essam Al-Hadari is in contention to be selected for Egypt's crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa, according to goalkeeping coach Ahmed Soliman. Al-Hadari, who recently joined Merreikh from Zamalek, will see his four-month ban come to an end by the start of the new season in Sudan next month. After being dropped from Egypt's squad for the Nile Basin tournament for lack of first-team football, the veteran keeper was given hope of regaining the number one shirt. “Al-Hadari is an important member of the Egypt team,” said Soliman, who worked with the 37-year-old guardian in Egypt's recent three CAN victories. “If he plays regularly with his team, his performance will automatically open the door for him to return to the squad.” In the meantime, Egypt boss Hassan Shehata relies on Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed in goal as Ismaili's Mohamed Sobhi and Masri's Amir Abdul-Hamid back up the Zamalek skipper. Egypt will visit group leaders South Africa in March, aiming for at least one point to improve their qualification hopes.
