A victory for Egypt over Burundi will not only secure the Pharaohs' place in the Ghana African Cup of Nations, but will also give the reserves a chance to feature on the international level. If Egypt beat Burundi away from home on Sunday, they will host Botswana in the last qualifying game, which is likely to be a walk in the park for the African champions. Ghazl Mahalla striker Ahmed Hassan is aware it is not easy to break through Egypt's squad given the host of attacking options at Hassan Shehata's disposal. Mido, who has been dropped in the past few months, returned to Egypt's squad after making an instant impact with Middlesbrough in the Premiership. Hamburg forward Mohamed Zidan, a new Egyptian fans' favorite, was called up along with Zamalek's prolific striker Amr Zaki and Ahli's Emad Meteb. However, Hassan remains hopeful of being given a chance against Botswana if Egypt beat Burundi. "Being a regular in Egypt's squad is a difficult task because there are very good strikers who have plenty of experience," Hassan told FilGoal.com. "However, If Egypt defeat Burundi I will probably play in the last match against Botswana." Hassan started the Egyptian League in style, netting three goals in three matches to replicate the form that saw him compete for last season's top scorer award. OUT OF FOCUS Over the years, national team managers as well as the media have been accused of directing their focus on Cairo giants Ahli and Zamalek and ignoring smaller clubs. Mohamed Abou-Treika, a current Ahli hero, was never handed a national team call-up during his spell with Tersana. Things completely changed when he joined the Red Devils.
Mahmoud Fathallah, left Mahalla for Zamalek, yet can't land a starting place The classy playmaker's impressive displays with Ahli did not go unnoticed and he was soon representing the five-time African champions. "Players from big teams are always favored," Hassan bemoaned. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old is optimistic about his chances in the upcoming period and believes he can force his way into Shehata's squad for the Ghana finals. "Zamalek were interested in signing me last season but talks collapsed so I'm concentrating on developing my game with Mahalla. "If I maintained my current form I will likely accompany my Egypt teammates in their trip to Ghana," he added. Hassan's former teammate and current Zamalek defender Mahmoud Fathallah shares the same view with slight differences. "It is true that playing for a club like Zamalek gives any player a better chance to play for Egypt," he told reporters after Wednesday's training session "But it is not the first time for me to be named in Egypt's squad; I took part in previous camps when I was playing with Mahalla." Fathallah faces competition from Ismaili defender Hani Saied, Ankaragucu's Ibrahim Saied and Ahli duo Wael Gomaa and Shadi Mohamed to occupy a first-team spot. NOT ALONE Fathallah and Hassan are not the only players who are hoping to feature in Shehata's squad. Other players like Harras Al-Hodoud duo Ahmed Eid and Abdul-Salam Naggah ENPPI's Ahmed Al-Muhammadi and Ismaili's star striker Mohamed Fadl have all played bit-parts with the national team over the past few months. However, it remains unknown if coach Shehata, who is known to play it safe, will gamble and give these players the opportunity they have always dreamt of.
