“Egypt’s national team doctor Mohamed Abul-Ela confirmed that Mohamed El-Shennawi is suffering from a muscle strain, while midfielder Hamdi Fathi sustained an adductor muscle injury,” read a statement by the EFA.

“The two players will undergo medical scans to determine the rehab programme they need to recover from the injuries,” the statement added.

The 33-year-old El-Shennawi left the pitch before the end of regulation time due to the injury, while Ahly’s midfielder Hamdi Fathi also left 6 minutes before the final whistle of the second halftime due to the muscle injury.

Liverpool’s star Mohamed Salah then converted a decisive penalty, qualifying Egypt for the AFCON’s quarters with a 5-4 shootout win over Cote d’Ivoire after a goalless draw in Wednesday’s round of 16 clash at Japoma Stadium in Douala.

The Pharaohs were unlucky not to find a breakthrough in 120 minutes, having spurned several clear-cut chances as a jaded-looking Ivorian side failed to keep pace with the record seven-time African champions.

Egypt will be facing a highly anticipated quarter-final clash against Morocco, who came from behind to beat Malawi 2-1 after producing a vivid attacking display on Tuesday.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)