“Egypt’s foreign-based players will be joining the closed camp on 21 March, as the camp will be held in Cairo,” EFA Competitions Committee head Amer Hussein told a television programme late on Saturday.

“It was supposed to start earlier but the teams’ participation in multiple African competitions forced the EFA to delay the preparatory programme.”

“National team coach Carlos Queiroz asked that players continue playing the domestic league games to maintain their fitness ahead of the Senegal clash,” Hussien added.

Egypt, who are seeking to qualify for the World Cup for the fourth time in their history, will be hosting Senegal in Cairo in the first leg of the qualifying playoff on Friday 25 March, while the second leg will be played on Senegal’s turf on 29 March.

“We requested that a large number of supporters be allowed to attend the [home] game against Senegal, as we fully support the coach.”

Egypt and Senegal last clashed in the African Cup of Nations final earlier this month, which Senegal won on penalties following a 0-0 draw.

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