Egypt coach Bradley calls up Shawky for Alex camp

Egypt coach Bob Bradley has called up Ahly midfielder Mohamed Shawky for the team's training camp in Alexandria ahead of the opening World Cup qualifier at home against Mozambique. The 30-year-old, who hit out at Bradley last month for recent perceived snubs, will fill in for Ahly teammate Hossam Ashour, who picked up an injury. Recent reports suggest that new Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry intends to offload Shawky in the summer transfer window, given his recent disappointing form. However, the club's official website reported on Friday that outgoing coach Manuel Jose had phoned the former Middlesbrough man to congratulate him after Bradley named him in Egypt's squad. The Pharaohs will hold a six-day training camp in Alexandria before hosting Mozambique in the coastal Mediterranean city on 1 June. Egypt will play in Group G, which includes Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Guinea. The seven-time African champions should finish on top to advance to the final round as they seek to end a World Cup drought stretching back to 1990.