Egypt coach Hassan Shehata has recalled Tottenham midfielder Hossam Ghaly to the national team squad for the match against Botswana. Shehata also recalled Zamalek defender Ibrahim Saied and Ismaili duo Mohamed Soliman 'Hommos' and Sayed Moawad to the 23-man squad he announced on Wednesday. Egypt will take on Botswana in the second round of the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifiers on October 7th. The inclusion of Ghaly and Saied comes as a surprise as both players do not enjoy regular football with their respective clubs. Meanwhile, assistant coach Shawki Gharib told FilGoal.com on Wednesday that Hommos and Moawad were back in the national team squad after their brilliant performances with Ismaili this season. The Egyptian team will begin gathering on October 2nd and will play against Lebanon on September 3rd in a fundraiser for the victims of the Israeli attack on Lebanon last July.
Europe-based players will then join their teammates in Cairo before traveling to Botswana's capital Gaborone. The Pharaohs won their first qualifier against Burundi 4-0 earlier this month. Egypt's squad: Goalkeepers: Essam Al-Hadari (Ahli), Mohamed Abdul-Monsef (Zamalek), Mostafa Kamal (ENPPI) Defenders: Wael Gomaa (Ahli), Ibrahim Saied (Zamalek), Amir Azmi (PAOK, Greece), Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa (Konyaspor, Turkey), Rami Adel (Arab Contractors), Mahmoud Fathallah (Ghazl Mahalla), Hani Saied, Ahmed Fathi, Sayed Moawad (all Ismaili). Midfielders: Hosni Abd-Rabou, Mohamed Soliman 'Hommos' (both Ismaili), Mohamed Shawki, Mohamed Abou-Treika (both Ahli), Ahmed Hassan (Anderlecht, Belgium), Reda Shehata (ENPPI), Hossam Ghaly (Tottenham, England). Forwards: Emad Meteb (Ahli), Amr Zaki (Zamalek), Mohamed Zidan (Werder Bremen, Germany), Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' (Tottenham, England).
