GHALY SWAPS TRAINING CAMP FOR AFRICA CUP

Feyenoord may have to get along without Hossam Ghaly until 14 February after the Egyptians confirmed they expect the player to take part in the country’s Africa Cup campaign. The Rotterdammers have tried hard to convince the Egyptians that Ghaly is a vital part of Feyenoord’s plans, but to no avail. Feyenoord is obliged to release the player for the FIFA sanctioned tournament. That rules him out of matches against FC Utrecht, NEC and FC Twente.

The cup tie at FC Twente is also one that Ghaly will have to miss, while the games against Vitesse and AZ may also be missed, depending on Egypt’s progress in the tournament. Egypt warms up with three friendlies, before lining up against Zimbabwe on 25 January. Algeria awaits for days later, followed by the final group game against Cameroon 3 February.