Egypt's forward #22 Omar Marmoush controls the ball from Saudi's defender #4 Addulelah Almari during the friendly football match between Saudi Arabia and Egypt at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. AFP
The Pharaohs head into the clash on the back of an impressive 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Friday, a performance they will look to replicate against the world’s top-ranked side in the current FIFA standings.
The task, however, will be far from easy for coach Hossam Hassan, who will be without key forward Mohamed Salah.
The Liverpool winger has been ruled out of the March camp due to injury.
In Salah’s absence, Hassan is expected to rely on Omar Marmoush, who impressed against Saudi Arabia, while Haissem Hassan could be handed a more prominent role after a strong start in that match.
Midfielders Mahmoud Hassan, Ahmed Sayed and Emam Ashour are also expected to retain their places, though they face a sterner test against Spain’s array of talent, including Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Oyarzabal was Spain’s standout performer in their 3-0 friendly win over Serbia, scoring twice.
“We will play against Spain to learn and get the most benefit from this game,” Hassan told a pre-match press conference.
“We are also a big team, the most successful in Africa, and we have many well-known players.”
Egypt will conclude their World Cup preparations with a friendly against Brazil in June. They have been drawn in Group G for the 2026 finals alongside Iran, New Zealand and Belgium.
“We are ready for Spain and determined to produce a strong performance on Tuesday,” Trezeguet concluded.
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