Egypt's third-choice keeper Mahmoud Gennesh has been ruled out of the African Cup of Nations after injuring his Achilles tendon during a training session on Friday, the country's football association said.
"Scans showed that Gennesh has suffered a rupture to his Achilles tendon … it is difficult for the player to continue the tournament," the Egyptian FA said on its official Facebook page.
Gennesh was called up to Egypt's squad by coach Javier Aguirre after producing a series of impressive displays with Cairo's popular club Zamalek in domestic competitions this season.
He was also hailed as a hero by Zamalek's faithful after playing an instrumental role in helping them win the African Confederation Cup, their first continental title since 2003.
Gennesh made his Egypt debut in a friendly against Nigeria in March. He also featured in the Pharaohs' 1-0 win over Tanzania earlier this month in a Nations Cup warm-up.
His injury leaves Egypt with Mohamed El-Shennawi and Ahmed El-Shennawi as their only options between the sticks.
Ahly's Mohamed El-Shennawi played in Egypt's 1-0 and 2-0 victories over Zimbabwe and DR Congo respectively in Group A of the Nations Cup, which is taking place on home soil.
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