Egypt manager Hassan Shehata cut his squad to 21 players before the African qualifier against Mauritania by dropping Enppi's striker Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, Petrojet midfielder Ossama Mohamed and Ismaili's midfielder Abdullah Saied. The former Zamalek legend revealed that his players are at their best despite being at the end of the season and that they are ready to beat Mauritania on the latter's soil. Shehata initially called 27 players but Tersana's keeper Ahmed Saad and Mainz's striker Mohamed Zidan have been ruled out with injuries in addition to the released trio. The Pharaohs boss also confirmed that this group will play against Mauritania, a friendly against Kuwait and then Burundi in the African qualifiers. The Egyptian side is currently on top of Group B on 7 points and need the victory to secure their berth in next year African Finals. Egypt squad Goalkeepers: Essam Al-Hadari (Ahli), Mohamed Abdul-Monsef (Zamalek), Mohamed Fathi (Ismaili). Defenders: Wael Gomaa, Shadi Mohamed (Ahli), Hani Said (Ismaili), Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa (Konyaspor, Tur). Midfielders: Sayed Moawad, Hosni Abd-Rabou, Omar Gamal (Ismaili), Mohamed Shawki, Mohamed Abou-Treika (Ahli), Mohamed Abdullah (Konyaspor, Tur), Ahmed Fathi (Sheffield United, Eng), Ahmed Hassan (Anderlecht, Bel), Hossam Ghaly (Tottenham, Eng), Mohamed Ibrahim (Asyut Petroleum), Mahmoud Abdul-Razeq ‘Shikabala' (Zamalek). Forwards: Amr Zaki, Gamal Hamza (Zamalek), Mohamed Fadl (Ismaili).
