VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Thursday that midfielder Aly Ghazal has been called up to the Egyptian national team for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations home-and-away qualifiers versus Swaziland.
The Pharaohs play twice against Swaziland, first in Ghazal's native city of Cairo on October 12, then visit Manzini on October 16.
The 'Caps host Sporting Kansas City on the day after the second match, October 17 at BC Place.
Egypt currently sit second in their group with three points, behind leaders Tunisia at six points.
Ghazal started and played 57 minutes in Egypt’s 6-0 win over Niger on September 8, his first appearance for the national team in nearly four years.
Ghazal has six caps for the Egyptian national team and will join up with up with Liverpool FC superstar Mohamed Salah and Orlando City SC defender Amro Tarek.
The 26-year-old has started 22 of his 27 MLS appearances thus far, including the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Pharaohs are the most successful nation in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations but are looking to lift the trophy for the first time since 2010.
Ghazal and the 'Caps are back in action this Sunday when they take on FC Dallas at BC Place (4 p.m. PT on TSN1/4 and TSN 1040). Visit whitecapsfc.com for ticket information.
