Egypt line up UAE friendly ahead of Ghana visit

Egypt will play the United Arab Emirates on November 9, three days before their clash with Ghana in 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifying.

Although already qualified for next year's global showpiece in Russia, the Pharaohs are set to play as guests to the Black Stars on the last matchday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Four points clear of second-placed Uganda, the North Africans have nothing to lose as a defeat will not alter their status as winners of the group.

However, the Pharaohs are leaving no stone unturned as preparations for the World Cup appear to have begun in earnest.

Following their 2-1 triumph over Congo to clinch the World Cup ticket, Egypt coach Hector Cuper revealed his outfit are looking to hand opportunities to fringe players in the coming games.

“We succeeded in giving Egypt its spine back,” Cuper told ON Sport.

“We face Ghana in the next international break and we have a friendly match.

“It is possible to include players that don’t play regularly and to fit them in our system while maintaining the balance between them as we try players in different roles.

“We want to reach the second stage in the World Cup. Everything is possible especially after what happened in the Camp Nou in 1999.”

Egypt's last visit to Ghana was catastrophic as the Pharaohs were handed a 6-1 thrashing in 2014 World Cup qualifying in Kumasi.