Egypt coach Shawky Gharib has asked the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to assign a private jet to transfer the squad to Senegal in September.

The Pharaohs, who missed out on the past two African Cup of Nations in 2012 and 2013, face Senegal on 5 September in their first match in the qualifiers for the 2015 tournament.

They are in Group G, which also includes Tunisia. The fourth team in the group is yet to be determined.

Gharib, 55, said a private flight would preserve the players' energy and focus.

He will hold a meeting with EFA members this week to discuss the Pharaohs' programme for the qualifiers. He is planning a friendly against either Nigeria or Ivory Coast.

Egypt have played three friendlies in recent months. They defeated Bosnia 2-0 in April before the 3-2 loss to Chile in May and a 2-2 draw with Jamaica last week.

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