Egypt vs. Zimbabwe Kickoff: 19.00 CLT World Cup African qualifiers Group G Venue: Egyptian Army Stadium, Alexandria MATCH FACTS -Egypt scored 13 goals in the last 10 competitive games, with 11 of them coming in the second half. -While most of the Zimbabwe squad are uncapped, four Egypt players boast +90 international caps(Wael Gomaa, Ahmed Fathi, Mohamed Abou-Treika and Hosni Abd-Rabou). -With Essam Al-Hadari dropped, Sherif Ekrami could be making his competitive debut for Egypt. -If he got the nod, Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed will make his first competitive start since September 2005; a 4-1 World Cup qualifying win over Benin. -Apart from Al-Hadari, the only player who featured in every single minute of Bob Bradley's four competitive games in charge of Egypt is Ahmed Hegazi, who is out injured. -Egypt will be playing before their fans in a competitive game for the first time since October 2011 when they beat Niger 3-0 in a Nations Cup qualifier in Cairo. -The last time Egypt met Zimbabwe was also in Alexandria, when the home side won a friendly 2-0 with a brace from Abdul-Halim Ali. -The match will be officiated by Senegalese referee Badara Diatta; the same man who was in charge of Egypt's last competitive game in Central African Republic last June. QUOTES Egypt coach Bob Bradley "When we faced Mozambique in match Day 1 of the qualifiers behind closed doors we felt as if we were not the home team. "This time we'll have a few thousands in the stands and 85 million outside praying for us to win. If it was possible most of these millions would be there in the stands. All the Egyptians want to see their national team in the World Cup finals after a 24 year absence" Zimbabwe coach Klaus-Dieter Pagels "I know Egypt are a very strong team and that we are facing a tough mission in Alexandria, despite the fact that they lost in some of the recent friendly matches. I also watched some DVD's of their old games and know well what awaits us on Tuesday. "The mission needs a strong mentality and fighting spirit from my boys." TEAM NEWS Egypt will be hoping to have veteran midfielder Abou-Treika fit after spending more than a month out with a hamstring injury. Hossam Ghaly and Hegazi are long-term absentees. Egypt's long-serving goalie Al-Hadari has been left out for disciplinary reasons, so Abdul-Wahed, Ahmed Al-Shennawi or Ekrami will be between the posts. Zimbabwe have major injury concerns as coach Pagels was forced to make three replacements to injured players Matthew Rusike, Simba Sithole and Gilbert Mapemba. Moreover, key duo Washington Arubi and Knowledge Musona are doubtful. Goalkeeper Arubi has been training as a player recently due to a hand injury, while star striker Musona is struggling with a throat infection.
