Egypt and Merreikh goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has left the hospital after recuperating from injuries sustained during an attack on his team following their 2-0 win over Ahli Shendi in the CAF Confederation Cup Group stage late on Friday.
According to the veteran keeper's official website, some angry Ahli Shendi fans threw stones at the Merreikh players as they were leaving the pitch after winning in Khartoum, cutting the player's lips and breaking his teeth.
"I thank God for saving my life," the former Ahly and Zamalek guard was quoted as saying by his official website before departing Khartoum to Cairo earlier on Saturday to join Egypt's national team preparatory camp for Benin's friendly on 7 September.
"Football riots are becoming much more common and the fanatic fans must realise that football matches are a sport activity - not wars," he added.
The player is supposed to undergo further scans in Cairo to ensure his safety.
El-Hadary, who is widely considered Egypt’s best-ever goalkeeper, returned to Merreikh in the summer after terminating his contract with Egypt’s Ittihad of Alexandria in the wake of attacks on fans in Egypt's Port Said stadium that left more than 70 dead .
He remains the Pharaohs’ regular shot-stopper, despite turning 39 in January.
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