CAIRO - Egypt has pulled out of a friendly against Tanzania on August 11 claiming the Tanzania football Federation, TFF, did not send the team list on time. The reigning African champions will now play the DR Congo in Cairo on the same day. The TFF for it's part has accused the Egyptian FA of pulling out of the fixture for 'unconvincing reasons.' The Taifa Stars have hastily arranged a game against neighbours Kenya in Dar es Salaam. "Egypt confirmed to us in writing on July 29 that the match was on. But we were surprised when they wrote again saying they were pulling out," said TFF spokesperson Floroan Kaijage. "They say we did not send the names of the delegation in time, but this is an unconvincing reason," he added. Tanzania had hoped that playing Egypt would provide the perfect test before facing Algeria in the Nations Cup qualifier match next month. But Kaijage says Kenya have promised to call their Europe-based professionals for the fixture. Meanwhile, the Taifa Stars' newly-appointed coach Jan Poulsen has included three key players banished by his predecessor Marcio Maximo, in his first team. Goalkeeper Juma Kaseja, who plays for the local champions Simba and midfielders Haruna Moshi and Athuman Iddi were excluded from the national after being accused of indiscipline by Maximo. However Poulsen says he is ready to start everyone on a clean slate.
