Hossam Ghaly and Omar Gaber after being involved in the build-up to Egypt's opener against Burkina Faso (Photo: Ahram)
Egypt concluded their preparation for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2017 qualifying clash with Nigeria with a 2-0 friendly win over a local-based Burkina Faso side at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab stadium on Saturday.
Two goals from Ahly playmaker Abdallah El-Said either side of the interval gave Egypt - who were also without their foreign-based players - their second friendly win in a row, following a 2-0 victory over Libya last month.
Egypt, who haven't reached the Africa Cup of Nations since last winning the title in 2010, travel to Nigeria on 25 March before hosting the west Africans five days later.
The Pharaohs are currently top of their Group G on six points, two ahead of rivals Nigeria who lie second.
El-Said nets twice
The first half kicked off with Egypt in control as expected, and after having a penalty appeal turned down by the referee, it was El-Said who put them in front in the 23rd minute.
Mostafa Fathi released Hossam Ghaly down the right before the latter's cross eventually found El-Said, who fired home from inside the area.
Cuper then made three half-time changes, introducing Nour El-Sayed, Hamada Tolba and Amr Gamal instead of Ghaly, Sabri Rahil and striker Marwan Mohsen respectively.
It didn't take striker Gamal long to pose a threat on goal, having seen a shot go wide of the left post at 52 minutes.
But the Ahly hitman's main contribution came minutes later when he was brought down inside the area as the referee pointed to the spot.
El-Said then converted the penalty successfully for his second goal of the night, giving Egypt an easy 2-0 win over an opponent who hadn't troubled them much throughout the game.
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