Egypt national team coach Hassan Shehata has agreed to sign a two-year extension to his contract with the Egyptian football federation. Shehata's contract was due to expire by the end of the 2010 African Cup of Nations.
"It would have been difficult to travel to Angola knowing that my contract is expiring at the end of the month," Shehata told a press conference. "I agreed with the FA to take this step in order to retain mutual respect and make the players feel confident."
Shehata has also named a provisional squad of 32 players for the upcoming CAN, including talismanic playmaker Mohamed Abu Treika who is suffering from a broken foot. Zamalek striker Mido was recalled for the first time since March, even though he sustained a minor back injury in a league match on Sunday.
"Treika and Mido will have fitness tests on Saturday after which their availability will be determined," Shehata added.
There are some new faces in the squad as well. Ahly's promising goalkeeper Ahmed Adel and the champion's midfielder Mostafa Shebeita made it into the squad, as well as Zamalek left back Mohamed Abdul Shafi and Al Ittihad forward Mohamed Nagi 'Geddo'.
The biggest surprise in the squad is the fact that Mohamed Hommos of Ismaily, a consistent member of the team, was left out of the squad. However, Zamalek's promising right winger Hazem Emam has been in the squad following his recent impressive displays.
Amr Zaki and Mohamed Barakat were ruled out with respective injuries. Hossam Ghaly is in, at the expense of Mohamed Shawky.
