African champions Egypt are facing Benin in a warm-up friendly ahead of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers final phase. The game will be the first of a series of friendly games within the next few months, in preparation for their upcoming qualifiers starting in March 2009. "We are planning to play a number of friendly games in order to stay sharp ahead of both the World Cup qualifiers and FIFA Confederations Cup," Egypt assistant coach Hamada Sedki told FilGoal.com. The draw for next year's Confederations Cup will be held on Saturday, with the Pharaohs expecting a tough group in the world class showdown in South Africa. In the final World Cup qualifiers phase, Egypt were drawn in Group C alongside Algeria, Zambia and Rwanda, as pundits believe the six-time African champions have a substantial opportunity to secure a berth in the elite competition for the first time since 1990. Team News
Zaki ruled out with injury The exhibition is taking place few days after Ahli's historic CAF Champions League victory, which could be an extra motive for the Pharaohs to hold on to their World Cup qualification dream. Goalkeeper Amir Abdul-Hamid, defense duo Ahmed Al-Sayed and Wael Gomaa and midfielders Ahmed Hassan and Mohamed Abou-Treika were selected from the African champions, but Mohamed Barakat was left out. Several new faces received call-ups to the squad after putting on impressive league performances. The likes of Wael Riad (Harras Hodoud), Islam Awad (ENPPI) and Abdullah Saied (Ismaili) could make their debut appearances. Furthermore, only three foreign-based players were recalled; Essam Al-Hadari (Sion), Hosni Abd-Rabou (Ahli Dubai) and Emad Meteb (Ittihad Jeddah). English Premier League duo Amr Zaki (Wigan Athletic) and Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' (Middlesbrough) were both ruled out with injuries. Libyan referee Gamal Ambia has been assigned to preside over the game, along with linesmen Fouad Al-Magrabi and Abdul-Fatah Al-Turkey.
