For sometime it looked like the international friendly between Kuwait and Egypt would be canceled because of Egypt's row over Sunday's African Nations Cup Group Two qualifier against Mauritania. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, but was held up for almost 40 minutes as fans invaded the pitch.

Egypt had demanded that Confederation of African Football (CAF) order for a replay of the game, but that appeal has now been rejected. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said that Egypt players were scared following the invasion of the home fans and hence conceded the second half goal which allowed Mauritania to equalize. Egypt are still on top of Group Two, but coach Hassan Shehata wants the friendly against Kuwait to be canceled so his team can concentrate on the game against Burundi in Rwanda.

The Kuwait and Egypt game was initially set for April 16th, but because Ahli and Ismaili clubs were involved in other commitments, the game was postponed to June 12.

The African champions now feel the Kuwait friendly is a strain best avoided. However the game against Kuwait marks a testimonial for Kuwait national team captain Abdullah Al-Wabran and the Kuwaiti FA would not take kindly to cancellation threats.

If the game does go ahead, Egypt will be without defender Ibrahim Said, who has a stomach muscle strain. Moreover the coach has decided to drop Tottenham Hotspur's Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam. Additional problems for Egypt include an injury to Mohamed Zidan, who is a key player in their line-up. Egypt coach Hassan Shehata has also named Hossam Ghaly and Ahmed Fathi in his squad.