Egypt lines up Malawi friendly ahead final AFCON qualifier

Group G leaders, Egypt, will face the Flames of Malawi in an international friendly game on April 30 before the Pharaohs face Tanzania in their last Gabon 2017 African Nations Cup qualifier.

Although the Egypt Football Association has not announced the match and its venue, the game is listed in the FIFA schedule of international friendlies.

The last time the two teams met was in the qualifiers for the 2008 Nations Cup when the Flames made history by beating the Egyptians 1-0 in Blantyre courtesy of a Chiukepo Msowoya  injury time goal.

Egypt will face Tanzania on June 4 in their last game in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, needing only one point to officially qualify for the finals in Gabon.

Moreover, Egypt needs to win the game to maintain its place in the first pot of the draw for final stage of World Cup qualification, which will take place on June 24. The winners of each of the five drawn groups will qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Meanwhile, Arsenal star, Elneny, has revealed that the Pharaohs are eager to qualify for the 2018 World Cup following their success in the race to Gabon 2017 ticket.

Speaking to Arsenal TV, Elneny expressed his delight at representing the Egypt national team, especially after the latest African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Nigeria.

“We are 100 million Egyptians, and every single one of us dreams of getting called up to the national team. Therefore, I’m extremely happy whenever I get called up,” he said.

He added: “We didn’t qualify for the last three AFCONs. However, we are so close this time after beating Nigeria. Therefore, I’m very happy and looking forward to competing for the title. Hopefully, my next step with the national team is reaching the World Cup.”
The draw for the final stage of CAF World Cup qualifying will be held in Cairo, on June 24.