Having won their first two games against Cape Verde (3-0 in Cairo) and Botswana (4-0 away) in September, the Pharaohs are leading Group C with maximum six points.
A win on Friday will help the seven-time African champions edge closer to securing a spot in the next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, set to be held in Morocco.
On paper, the Egyptian national team should not face any problems against their opponent, who is unlikely to upset the Pharaohs.
They will be led by Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah and Bundesliga goal machine Omar Marmoush.
The Frankfurt forward has made headlines in Germany with his dazzling performances, helping him lead the Bundesliga’s top scorers' chart with eight goals so far.
He rescued a point for his side against Bayern Munich after scoring twice in Frankfurt's 3-3 draw with the Bundesliga giants on Sunday.
Ligue 1 duo Nice defender Mohamed Abdel-Moneam and Nantes striker Mostafa will also be present against Mauritania, along with Qatari league players Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan (Al-Rayyan) and Hamdi Fathi (Al-Wakrah).
Regarding the local-based players, the Pharaohs’ coach hasn’t made significant modifications to his squad compared to last month’s camp.
Zamalek duo, goalkeeper Mohamed Awad and defensive midfielder Nabil ‘Dunga’ Emad have been called up after their brilliant performances in the CAF Super Cup, but having a starting role against Mauritania would be unlikely.
Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour continues to be absent from the Pharaohs for the second time.
He missed the September camp due to injury, and this time he has been dropped for technical reasons.
With this talented group of players, the Pharaohs are widely favored to win the game, not only in Cairo but also in the second match in Nouakchott on Tuesday 15 October.
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