Egypt faces Iran in international friendly

Egypt is set to play against Iran in an international friendly on Saturday after the original decision to face Brazil was cancelled, Amer Hussein, Egyptian Football Association’s acting president, told Ahram Online this week.

The online paper reported on Friday an international friendly between Egypt and Brazil, originally scheduled for Oct. 12, was cancelled by the Brazilian Football Association as Brazil would face Iraq on the same day. The EFA considered South Korea and China as replacements.

"The national team will face Iran on 12 October and Tunisia four days later in the United Arab Emirates," Hussein said.

"The contracts for both games will be signed within two days," he added.
Meanwhile, the Pharaohs are still set to face Tunisia on the Oct. 16 in another friendly as part of preparations for 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Egypt will not compete in competitive matches until March the following year, when they play host to Zimbabwe for its third Group G in the World Cup 2014 qualifiers. The seven-time African champions are currently on the top of the group after beating Mozambique and Guinea.

It was announced recently that Egypt has moved up two spots to the 38th position in FIFA’s September world football rankings.