Egypt coach Hassan Shehata named a preliminary 25-man squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi on September 9th, with the inclusion of Mohamed Abou-Treika. The Ahli playmaker has sustained an ankle injury last month and was expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks. However, the Egyptian champions' medical staff passed Abou-Treika fit to participate in Ahli's CAF Champions League clash against ASEC Mimosas on Sunday, although there are concerns over his fitness. Ismaili attacking duo Mohamed Fadl and Omar Gamal have also earned a call-up to the Pharaohs squad. Ghazl Mahalla striker Ahmed Hassan has been included after impressing in the Egyptian League, netting three goals in three matches. Ahli midfielder Hassan Mostafa has returned to the squad after regaining his place in Manuel Jose's line-up while Middlesbrough newly-signed midfielder Mohamed Shawki hasn't been included due to suspension. As previously announced, Mido has been named after making an instant impact with Middlesbrough in the Premiership in addition to Hossam Ghaly, despite not playing any match with Tottenham Hotspur in the new season. The squad will be later reduced to 20 players.
Mido is back Egypt lie on top of Group C with eight points, one ahead of second-placed Botswana who played one match more while Burundi lie third on six points from four matches. A win against Burundi away from home will be enough for Egypt to secure their place in the Ghana finals. The squad: Goalkeepers: Essam Al-Hadari (Ahli), Mohamed Abdul-Monsef (Zamalek), Sherif Ekrami (Feyenoord) Defenders: Wael Gomaa, Shadi Mohamed (Ahli), Sayed Moawad, Hani Saied (Ismaili), Ahmed Abou-Mosallam (Strasbourg), Mahmoud Fathallah (Zamalek), Ahmed Al-Muhammadi (ENPPI), Ibrahim Saied (Ankaragucu) Midfielders: Mohamed Abou-Treika, Hassan Mostafa (Ahli), Abdul-Salam Nagah, Ahmed Eid (Harras Al-Hodoud), Ahmed Hassan (Anderlecht), Mohamed Hommos, Hosni Abd-Rabou (Ismaili) Strikers: Mido (Middlesbrough), Emad Meteb (Ahli), Mohamed Fadl, Omar Gamal (Ismaili), Mohamed Zidan (Hamburg), Amr Zaki (Zamalek), Ahmed Hassan (Ghazl Mahalla)