Hamdy Arrives At Last!

Confirmation at training this morning that Ahmed Hamdy the 23 year-old from Egyptian Premier League side El Gouna finally arrived in Montreal yesterday.

It’s been a long and protracted process for the u23 international who looks certain to be part of his country’s already qualified Olympic side, meaning Montreal will have to do without him late July/early August when the Games take place.

His 14 day isolation period began today, after which he’ll finally be free to join his new team-mates for training.

Two others currently quarantining are Argentinian midfielder Joaquin Torres and former Houston man, Kiki Struna. Both are nearing the end of their isolation periods and are expected to join the group for training, Monday.

Training was split into two groups this morning, one under the supervision of Kwame Ampadu. In the group initially overseen by head coach Wilfried Nancy, much concentration focused on playing out from the back and avoiding the high-press. The first group featured Bayiha, Camacho, Binks and Keesean Ferdinand across a back four supported by Diop in goal.

Ferdinand (17) does not leave on his loan-spell at Atletico Ottawa until the end of the month, unlike Tomas Giraldo and Karifa Yao, both already on base at their respective CanPL clubs.
Ismael Kone, an 18-year-old Canadian who has played for CS St-Laurent and spent some time trying out in Europe was again part of the group. A physically aggressive midfielder, Kone hopes to win a place amongst the pro ranks.

Of course the Guadalajara quartet: James Pantemis, Zachary Brault-Guillard, Zorhan Bassong and Ballou Tabla were again missing from training and remain busy preparing for their opening game in Olympic qualifying against El Salvador at 1800 hrs tomorrow evening.

Djordje Mihailovic is in action with USA u23’s at 1730 hrs this evening. They face Costa Rica in the opening match of the qualifying tournament.

Mexico and Domincan Republic follow-on at 2000 hrs.

The other game in Canada’s group between Honduras and Haiti kicks off tomorrow at 1530 hrs.

All the matches are being covered live by OneSoccer.com



Check out the latest, The Ball Is Round Podcast (Episode 20). Recorded last evening, the TBIR team discuss the Montreal captaincy, Henry’s recent UK TV appearance, Gilmore’s CCL comments and describe what the dawning of a new season means to each of them. Plus all the usual favourite features...and a new one... Eve’s Time Machine... Don’t miss it!

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