In absence of Ahly, which remains in mourning since Port Said tragedy, Egypt braces for Niger friendly amid stepped-up preparations for global comptetitions
The Egyptian National team are preparing to meet their Nigerien counterparts in a friendly game Wednesday night in Al-Gharafa stadium in Qatari capital Doha.
The Pharaohs, under the helm of American manager Bob Bradley, are currently in a closed training camp in the Gulf city preparing for 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2014 World Cup.
"I demanded my players continue their victories and deliver a performance in keeping with the good reputation of Egyptian football," Bradley, a former United States coach, told Ahram Online.##
The winners of seven African titles – who defeated Kenya's under-23 team 5-0 Monday – will also celebrate the official crowning of Captain Ahmed Hassan as the most capped international player in world football. Hassan will be playing his 179th international game – one more than the number played by Saudi goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea.
"I want to please our Egyptian fans; make them forget the depression they've felt since the tragedy in early February,” the 53-year-old tactician added.
The Egypt team have excused Ahly players who are still mourning the victims of the 1 FebruaryPort Said disaster, in which more than 70 football fans were killed and hundreds injured.
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