Ahly's winger Abdel-Kader called up for Egypt squad ahead of Guinea test

Ahmed Abd El Rasoul , Saturday 10 Jun 2023

Ahly’s winger Ahmed Abdel-Kader has been called up to join the Egypt squad as a replacement for NBE’s injured attacking midfielder Mohamed Helal ahead of the crucial 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced.

Ahly winger Ahmed Abdel-Kader in action against Enppi on Tuesday in Cairo Stadium. Photo: Ahly twitter account.

The Pharaohs will kick off a training camp on Saturday amid preparations for the Guinea game on Wednesday in Morocco. The team is also due to play a friendly game against South Sudan on 18 June at Cairo International Stadium.

“Abdel-Kader will replace Helal who was injured in his team’s recent league game against Ittihad of Alexandria,” the EFA said in a statement early on Saturday.

“Abdel-Kader will join the national team training camp starting from Monday after ending Sunday’s Champions League final with his team,” the statement added.

Egypt are poised to secure a spot in the continental finals as they only need one point from their remaining two qualifiers to book a place in the prestigious tournament.

With three wins and only one loss against Ethiopia, Egypt are currently leading Group D with nine points, tied with Guinea whom they defeated 1-0 in their first encounter.

Meanwhile, Malawi and Ethiopia are occupying the third and fourth positions in the group, respectively, with three points each.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) will take place in Cote d'Ivoire in January 2024.

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