Smouha’s Mahmoud Saber has been called up to the Egyptian national team to replace the injured Nabil Emad Dunga.
This marks the maiden called-up for Saber, who is currently on loan at Smouha from Pyramids FC, following his impressive performances for Egypt at the U23 AFCON and the Paris Olympics.
The Pharaohs will play against Mauritania in Cairo on October 7 before playing the return leg in Nouakchott on October 11.
It has been confirmed that Zamalek’s Nabil Emad will miss the first game in Cairo; hence the Saber call-up; however, the national team medical team is hoping for him to be available for the Nouakchott trip.
Saber’s call-up comes despite the impressive performances of Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy, who keeps being overlooked by Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan.
Hassan also had the opportunity of calling Mohamed Elneny or Emam Ashour, but opted for Saber, who failed to break into the Pyramids FC team last season.
Egypt currently sit top of group C with six points from their opening two games, and a double win over Mauritania would seal their spot in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.