Al Ain will continue to reap benefits from the “genuine feelings of joy” experienced by Hussein El Shahat after his stellar first month was rewarded with a chance to gatecrash Egypt‘s World Cup 2018 squad.
El Shahat, 26, rocketed in a hat-trick during Saturday’s 7-0 demolition of promoted Ajman. This saw the midfielder move onto an incredible five goals and four assists for the Arabian Gulf League title chasers since a deadline-day loan switch from Misr lel-Makasa.
Such fine form has not gone unnoticed by his native country, who are preparing for a first appearances in 28 years at the finals. Impressed Pharaohs coach Hector Cuper this week handed the player – who last year featured in two unofficial friendlies – a spot in March’s training camp in Switzerland, alongside the likes of Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.
“Sometimes it is very difficult to find suitable words to express the genuine feelings of joy,” El Shahat told his club’s website ahead of Thursday’s visit by Emirates Club. “The call I received meant a lot since joining Egypt’s national team is a great dream, especially as we are on the verge of our official participation in the World Cup.”
Breaking free of mid-table Misr did not prove easy after scoring nine goals in the 2017/18 Egyptian Premier League.
El Shahat said: “Two offers submitted by Egypt’s Al Ahly and Zamalek were rejected.
“However, when the club’s chairman, Mohamed Abdul Salam, who considers all the players as his sons, told me about the offer made by Al Ain I did not hesitate. I did confirm explicitly that I have the desire to enter into a professional experience as a gateway for me to join the international list.”
Elsewhere, bottom-placed Al Dhafra could be cut adrift if fellow strugglers Dibba Al Fujairah inflict a ninth defeat in 16 matches.
On Friday, returning coach Ivan Jovanovic will aim for a perfect third victory in three games when Al Nasr travel to Ajman. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club won for the first time since October 14 last time out in the AGL, and now face Sharjah.