Aly Ghazal was a regular starter for Egypt during their failed campaign to qualify for the 2015 African Nations Cup and was heavily criticised for some error-ridden displays as the Pharaohs failed to make it through to the tournament for the third time in a row.

However, he made his first international appearance in four years during an impressive 6-0 home win over Niger in the Nations Cup qualifiers last September and was the team's best performer during the game.

Despite making a good impression, the CD Feirense man was snubbed for the remaining matches of the qualifiers but coach Javier Aguirre eventually named him in Egypt's squad for the Nations Cup on home soil.

The 26-year-old is capable of playing as a defender as well as a central midfielder. He is expected to play a back-up role in the tournament.

Ghazal, who made his Egypt debut in 2014, has made nine appearances with the Pharaohs so far.