Egypt take on Sudan in friendly warm-up outing (23.08.2002)
ALEXANDRIA
After easily dispatching Ethiopia 4-1 and Uganda 2-0, respectively, the Pharaohs are scheduled to measure themselves against neighbouring Sudan tonight in Alexandria, the very last opportunity for manager Mohsen Saleh to make his mind about his strongest squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Egypt, who are due to face lowly Madagascar in their inaugural qualifying program, were criticized by local media for having weak opposition in warm-up rehearsal games, with manager Saleh having this for comment:
"I wasn`t given the fair chance of having better opposition to deal with, at this stage of the preparation. Still, people could only judge me in official matches, not
friendly ones.
"This being said, I am only concentrating on having the better equipped squad for the qualifying matches, only then we can see where we all went wrong."
However, Sudan, who managed to hold Jordan to a goalless draw in Amman early this week, will prove a complete apposition for Egypt, taking into account the regional rivalry over the years between both neighbouring countries at club and national team levels.
Two inspiring players are expected to be retained by the Pharaohs in their starting line-up tonight, Al-Ahly impressive midfield schemer Hossam Ghali and elusive striker Ekrami Abdulaziz of Al-Mehalla Fillery, undeniably two of the country`s most promising football hottest properties.
