The Bulldozer made a long-awaited comeback from injury this month, which saw him play two full matches for Zamalek for the first time this year.

However, there was no place for him in Shehata’s roster for the big game.

“Of course I am sad not to be chosen because I feel I’ve regained my form and I’ve won the pundits’ praise recently,” Zaki told FilGoal.com.

“I wanted to be with the national team at such a critical period, but that’s the manager’s decision and I have to accept it.”

The five Egypt strikers preferred to Zaki were Ahmed Ali, Mohamed Zidan, Mohamed Al-Gabbas, Al-Sayed Hamdi and Ahmed Abdul-Zaher.

Egypt need nothing less than a win when they host Bafana Bafana as the African champions are languishing in fourth place with a single point from three games.