Al Ahly make special request to Egypt for Bafana clash
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffAl Ahly have reportedly made a special request to the Egypt national team for their clash against Bafana Bafana.
The Pharaohs will end the extended FIFA break with a friendly against South Africa on 6 October.
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Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, but now turn their attention to South Sudan this coming week.
Reports in Egypt claim that Al Ahly have requested their players be excused from the friendly against Pitso Mosimane's side.
Ysscores report that Al Ahly feel the third fixture will not give their players enough time to rest and rehabilitate ahead of their big derby against Zamalek SC after the FIFA break.
The Egyptian Red Devils currently six players with the Egyptian national side, including Mostafa Shobair, Marwan Attia, Mohamed Hany, Imam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, and Ali Mahmoud.
To make matters worse, Mohamed Salah has already left the camp and will not feature against South Sudan.
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"The Egypt national team's technical staff, led by Hossam Hassan, has decided to rest Mohamed Salah for the match against South Sudan scheduled for 29 September because of the playing surface," the EFA said in a statement.
It was agreed between the national team's technical staff and Mohamed Salah before the Angola match that he would not play against South Sudan, and the technical staff preferred this approach in order to protect the player.