Brazilian coach Ricardo said that he included Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary in Sudanese Merriekh Africa squad although he is still on loan for Egyptian side Ittihad of Alexandria.

“The club’s chairman Jamal El-Wali has reached an agreement with El-Hadary to get back to Sudan within days,” Ricardo told Ahram Sports.

The 38-year-old former Ahly, Zamalek and Ismaily goalie has been granted exceptional permission from FIFA to terminate his loan with Ittihad, due to the extraordinary circumstances Egyptian football is experiencing.

“We have reached round of 16 of the CAF Champions League and I am so happy for that. It’s like a dream come true,” he added.

Merriekh won their qualifying ticket after beating FC Platiniums of Zimbabwe 3-0 and after they drew in the first leg.

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