Egypt coach Hossam Hassan stepped in to defuse a heated touchline argument during the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Egypt and Senegal in Morocco.
The flashpoint erupted on the sidelines after Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho whistled a foul against Egypt captain Mohamed Salah for a challenge on Senegal skipper Sadio Mane.
Members of Egypt’s coaching staff were seen angrily exchanging words with assistants from Senegal boss Pape Thiaw, as tempers flared near the technical area. Hassan quickly moved towards the Senegal bench, choosing to shake Thiaw’s hand and bring the situation under control before it escalated further.
Senegal coach Thiaw had already been involved in a separate verbal exchange earlier in the match with Egypt defender Mohamed Hany. On the pitch, a tense first half ended 0-0, with Senegal suffering a blow when captain Kalidou Koulibaly was forced off injured after just 19 minutes.
The other semi-final this evening pits Morocco against Nigeria, setting up a high-profile clash for a place in the final.
