For the first time since 2006, the Egyptian
team will kick off the Cup of Nations without two major
stars. Abotreka and Amr Zaki will miss the event in
January due to injury. However, Zaki showed desire to
be called up in a hope he can feature in matches if
Egypt made it to later stages of the tournament.
Two stars scored eight goals for the Pharaohs
in Ghana 2008. Both players will not be available to
play the ACN in Angola because of injury.
Zaki and Abotreka scored four goals each
in the last tournament that Egypt won. They will be
absent in the upcoming event in Angola despite the players
struggle to regain fitness before the major tournament.
Mohamed Abotreka was confirmed as absentee
as participation in the tournament could end up his
footballing career according to medical reports. As
a result, Shehata excluded the player from the squad.
Similarly, Zaki needs over a month to
regain full fitness and so, Shehata preferred not to
call the player up.
Enthusiastic Zaki expressed his dismay after this decision.
He hoped that he can fit to help Egypt in the later stages
of the competition but the Egyptian national team staff decided
not to call him up.
The tournament is a chance of a lifetime for
Zaki to get back to picture and return to Europe. The 26 year
old striker couldn't fulfill his dream by playing at World
Cup level and accordingly, missed a great chance to make a
return to Europe through representing Egypt in World cup.
EP will keep you updated with all Zaki's latest...
