Hany Ramzy, the manager of Egypt's Olympic team, will not be releasing any young players from his squad to play for Ahly and Zamalek in the clubs' match in the African Champions League on Sunday.

“Egypt is above Ahly, Zamalek and all clubs. I am keeping all of my squad members at the France camp,” Ramzy was quoted as saying on the official website of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

The Young Pharaohs are finalising their preparations for the 2012 London Olympics.

Ahly will be without midfielder Shehab Eldeen Ahmed and defender Saad Samir, while Zamalek will miss goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shennawy and right-back Omar Gaber.

“Allowing the players to leave the camp just days before the Olympic Games will negatively affect the team, especially as I need to finalise my squad after the Honduras friendly on Thursday,” Ramzy added.

The coach only allowed the three overage players, Ahly’s Mohamed Abou-Treika, Emad Meteb and Ahmed Fathi, to play the match and return before the Olympics.

“I promised Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry that I would let them play in the derby. I want all parties to support me ahead of the Olympics,” Ramzy said.

The Young Pharaohs, who are returning to the most prestigious tournament for the first time in 20 years, have been drawn with the powerful Brazil, Belarus and New Zealand in Group C.

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