Ahly's in-form winger Ramadan Sobhi and Zamalek striker Mostafa Mohamed will spearhead the attack of Egypt's U23 side when they face South Africa in two friendly games next week.

Coach Shawky Gharib named a 28-man squad for both games as Egypt prepare for the U23 African Cup of Nations, which the country will host next month.

Sobhi, who is also a regular member of Egypt's senior squad, has been in an impressive form in the early stages of the season, netting three goals for Ahly as the defending champions top the Egyptian Premier League table with a maximum nine points.

Mostafa Mohamed has also established himself as Zamalek's first-choice striker, scoring twice in three matches in the Egyptian Premier League and African Champions League.

Egypt's squad also includes the likes of Zamalek's new signing Emam Ashour, Ahly forward Salah Mohsen and Smouha playmaker Nasser Maher.

The Pharaohs will play in Group A of the Nations Cup, which also includes Cameroon, Ghana and Mali. The tournament will take place from 8-22 November at Cairo's International Stadium and Al-Salam venue.

Egypt's main objective would be finishing among the top three to qualify for next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo for the first time since 2012.

They reached the quarter-finals at the London Games seven years ago but suffered a 3-0 loss to Japan at the Old Trafford.

Egypt finished third at the 2011 U23 Nations Cup and suffered an embarrassing group-stage exit at the 2015 edition.

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