The chief of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) Ahmed Megahed said on Sunday that the U23 national team’s management will face a dilemma if Ahly reached the African Champions League final that is set to be played on the same day the Olympic crew is scheduled to fly to Tokyo.

“The Olympic football team’s problem is 17 July. It will be the same date of the African Champions League final if Ahly reached it,” Megahed told a television programme.

The Olympic team’s coach, Shawky Gharib, built up his squad on a number of Ahly players, including veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawi, wingers Salah Mohsen, Taher Mohamed Taher, Nasser Maher, Akram Tawfik, and other key-players from the Red Devils’ squad.

“There is no problem in calling Pyramids FC players if they reached the African Confederation Cup final, as it will be played on 10 July,” the EFA boss added.

“Egypt’s Coach Shawky Gharib is ready to deal with any scenario,” he added.

Mostafa Mohamed’s status in limbo

Megahed confirmed that Egypt’s U23 national football team’s technical staff are doing their best to secure the services of Turkey's Galatasaray’s in-form striker Mostafa Mohamed in Tokyo.

Media reports claimed that the Turkish side’s coach Fatih Terim refuses to allow Mostafa Mohamed to take part in the Olympic Games, as he needs the services of the Egyptian goal scoring machine when the team competes in the UEFA Champions League qualifying stage.

“The Olympic Games are the only big chance for Mostafa Mohamed to show his talents, as the national team’s coach cares about having him in his squad,” Megahed said.

“We didn’t ask Galatasaray to offload an over-age player, and we hope Mostafa Mohamed will be part of the Olympic team squad,” the EFA boss said.

The Pharaohs were drawn in a tough group at the Olympic Games, facing off against heavyweights Spain, Argentina, and Australia.

The 2012 quarterfinalists will open their campaign against Spain on 22 July, before facing Argentina three days later, and Australia on 28 July.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)