Egypt coach Javier Aguirre already has “80-90%” of his 2019 African Cup of Nations squad, according to assistant coach Hany Ramzy.
By virtue of hosting the competition, the Pharaohs have automatically qualified for the biennial continental event, but still travel to Niger for their final Afcon qualifier before squaring up against Nigeria in a friendly, both billed for March 23 and 26 respectively.
Aguirre named a 25-man squad for the games, leaving out big players such as Liverpool star and African Player of the Year Mohamed Salah and defensive maestro Ahmed Hegazi.