The EFA said that Egypt’s national team will undergo an intensive training camp in the UAE from 12 to 16 October as part of the Pharaohs’ preparations for both the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire in January 2024.

Both friendlies will take place at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with the match against Zambia set for 12 October, followed by the game against Algeria on 16 October. Notably, the Algeria match was initially slated for 17 October but was rescheduled a day earlier to accommodate Ahly's schedule.

The Pharaohs will commence their journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers by hosting Djibouti on 13 November, followed by a match against Sierra Leone on 18 November.

Egypt secured their place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing atop Group D in the qualifiers with 15 points from six games. The Egyptian team will be joined by second-placed Guinea, who also qualified in the prestigious tournament.

The Pharaohs experienced their first setback under the helm of Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria after they were defeated 3-1 by Tunisia in a friendly match in Tunis on 12 September. 

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