"We are close to reaching an agreement with the United States Soccer Association over a friendly game between the two countries," EFA chairman Samir Zaher told reporters.

"This friendly game should take place on February 9."

The game is likely to revive some bitter memories for Egypt, who were eliminated from the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup at the hands of the US.

The Pharaohs could not deal with the pace and physical prowess of the US to suffer an embarrassing 3-0 loss and miss out on the chance of booking a historic last-four berth.

Egypt next face fellow Arab side Qatar in a friendly game on December 17.

Qatar is jubilant after it became the first country in the Arab region and Middle East to be awarded the rights to host the World Cup.

The world's biggest football tournament will be held in Qatar in 2022 after the country overcame the US, Australia, South Korea and Japan in FIFA's executive committee voting.

"We do not mind taking part in Qatar's celebrations through the friendly game," Zaher added.

"However, football is what matters most. We are aiming to prepare the national team for the crucial game against South Africa."

Egypt take on South Africa in the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in March next year.

The seven-time African champions made a poor start to their Group G campaign, collecting just one point from their first two games against lowly Sierra Leone and Niger.