The Egyptian national team is set to start their Nations Cup qualifiers campaign on Friday with a home game against Cape Verde before facing Botswana away, just four days later.

Only six players have joined the Pharaohs' camp, which started on 28 August, as Al Ahly and Zamalek declined to release their international players before the official date of 1st September.

They explained their decision by stating that their players require rest after an extended season and they stick to the FIFA calendar dates.

"We should give priority to the national team," Hossam Hassan told the pre-match news conference on Thursday.

"I am not seeking lengthy camps; I merely requested three additional days."

"I understand that the season has been arduous, and players need approximately six weeks of rest, but I am seeking greater cooperation."

"The extended season was a result of clubs requesting the postponement of domestic league matches to focus on African competitions. However, this does not apply to the national team."

"If they wish to adhere to the FIFA calendar dates, they should also respect the domestic league fixtures," he concluded.

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