Egypt goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari has been declared fit to stand between the sticks against Zambia in Sunday's World Cup qualifier. The Sion guardian was doubtful for the anticipated game after suffering a bruised foot last week. But medical tests confirmed Al-Hadari would be fit for Group C opener against Zambia in the qualifiers' final phase at Cairo Stadium. Egypt coach Hassan Shehata will be relieved to have Al-Hadari available as the veteran keeper's stand-ins are not at their best. Zamalek's Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed and Ismaili's Mohamed Sobhi committed costly errors in the Egyptian Premier League of late. "There is a very big gap between Al-Hadari and all the other keepers in Egypt," the Pharaohs assistant coach Shawki Gharib told FilGoal.com recently. "Al-Sayed is a very good guardian but successive injuries over the past years have affected his performances. "But in general, there is a lack of goalkeeping talents throughout Egypt." Al-Hadari played a pivotal role in helping Egypt claim back-to-back Nations Cup titles in 2006 and 2008.
