Egypt's player Zizo during Uzbekistan game photo: EFA
“Initial scans revealed that Hamdy Fathy is suffering from a muscular leg injury, Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed suffered a knee injury, while Salah Mohsen suffered a hamstring injury,” the team’s doctor, Ahmed Abu Elela, was quoted as saying by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) official Facebook page.
Fathy, 31, was dropped from the squad shortly before the takeoff in the game against Uzbekistan, while Zizo, 29, and Mohsen, 27, were substituted during the contest after suffering injuries, as the Pharaohs went on to lose the semi-final game 2-0.
The trio’s injury adds more woes for coach Hossam Hassan in the game against Cape Verde, who lost to Iran after a penalty shootout, as he travelled to Al Ain without key players including Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan, Mohanad Lasheen and Ibrahim Adel due to injuries.
The Pharaohs, seven-time African champions, are participating in the four-team friendly tournament in the UAE, Al Ain International Cup, alongside Iran, Cape Verde, and Uzbekistan.
This participation comes as part of the Pharaohs ' preparations for the anticipated African Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to run from 21 December to 18 January 2026 in Morocco.
Under former Ahly and Zamalek star Hossam Hassan, Egypt qualified for the AFCON finals after topping Group C in the qualifiers with 14 points.
The Pharaohs have been drawn in Group B at AFCON alongside Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Hassan has also secured a place for the Pharaohs in the 2026 World Cup finals in North America.
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