Egypt national team coach Hassan Shehata has excluded Ahli striker Emad Meteb from the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi through injury. Meteb was injured in the second-half of Ahli's African Champions League match against Asante Kotoko on Saturday. Egypt's assistant coach, Shawki Gharib, told FilGoal.com that Meteb will be replaced by Harras Al-Hodoud striker Ahmed Abdul-Ghani. African champions Egypt host Burundi in their first qualifier on Saturday September 2nd at the Cairo International Stadium. Gharib said that the game will witness the return of Turkey-based midfielder Ayman Abdul-Aziz to the national team.
Ayman Abdul-Aziz (R) "Genclerbirligi midfielder Ayman Abdul-Aziz has been called up for the first time in five years," said Gharib. "He had problems regarding his military status, but it's all resolved now and he can play for Egypt again." Gharib pointed out that Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' will arrive in Cairo on Tuesday. Mido will have been in London undergoing a medical before signing for Tottenham. Wael Gomaa will also join the team on Wednesday after concluding his trial period with Premiership side Blackburn Rovers. Meanwhile, Europe-based players Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa, Sherif Ekrami and Ahmed Abou-Mosallam will arrive later on Monday.
