Second-string Egypt beat Uganda in Ghana warm-up

Karim Farouk, Monday 30 Sep 2013

Pharaohs claim 2-0 win over Uganda on Monday ahead of World Cup qualifiers playoff with Ghana

Ahmed Eid Abdel-Malek
Ahmed Eid Abdel-Malek (Photo: Ahram)

A depleted Egypt team defeated Uganda 2-0 on Monday in their final warm-up game ahead of a crucial face-off with Ghana in the World Cup qualifiers playoffs.

Coach Bob Bradley had to make do without the team's core roster, as 11 players have rejoined Ahly in order to play Coton Sport in the African Champions League, and the 10 foreign-based players have not yet joined camp.

The technical staff was hoping to hold the preparatory game earlier in order to test the team, but Sierra Leon withdrew from the scheduled game on 28 September due to security concerns, leaving Uganda as the only option.

Ahmed Eid broke the deadlock after seven minutes as he netted home from close range with a set up by Ahmed Hamoudy.

In the 68th minute, Hazem Emam was sent clear to score with a back heel from inside the box after a quick exchange of passes with winger Mahmoud Abdel-Razek "Shikabala."

However, the victory was not reassuring in terms of display.  The hosts were threatened many times throughout the game and failed to maintain a dominant hold.

On the bright side, Bradley was able to give playing time to some important players otherwise taking the bench, including Ahmed Eid, Shikabala, Ahmed Said "Okka," and Hosni Abd-Rabou, back from a lengthy injury.

The players will get a couple of days to rest before starting the final preparation phase next Sunday, ahead of the Ghana clash set to be played in Kumasi on 15 October.

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