Surprise in Egypt World Cup squad, Mustafa Mohamed dropped; Barcelona youth Hamza gets chance

Staff Report: PNN

The preliminary squad of the Egypt national football team has been announced ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The biggest surprise in the squad announced by head coach Hossam Hassan is the exclusion of forward Mustafa Mohamed.

The Nantes striker had been struggling with a goal drought. He scored only four goals in his last 24 matches, which is believed to be the reason he was not included in the preliminary squad.

On the other hand, Barcelona youth team forward Hamza Abdelkarim has been included as a major surprise. Although he has not yet made his senior international debut, he is considered a future star of Egypt due to his consistent performance at youth level.

Captain Mohamed Salah will continue to lead the team as usual. Omar Marmoush will also be part of the attacking line.

Before the World Cup, Egypt will play a friendly match against the Russia national football team in Cairo on May 28. After that match, the coach will announce the final 26-member squad, excluding one player from the preliminary list.

Egypt will play in Group G of this World Cup. Their campaign will begin on June 16 in Seattle against the Belgium national football team. They will then face the New Zealand national football team in Vancouver, followed by the Iran national football team.

The coach Hossam Hassan has tried to build a balanced squad combining experienced and young players across goalkeeping, midfield, and attack. Now it remains to be seen how successful this team can be on the World Cup stage.