The national team faces a significant setback as Mohamed El-Shenawy will be sidelined for the remainder of the competition due to a dislocated shoulder sustained during the match against Cape Verde (2-2) on Monday.
The official announcement came through a press release issued by the Egyptian Football Federation on Tuesday, revealing that El-Shenawy’s injury will necessitate his withdrawal from the tournament.
The Al-Ahly goalkeeper, a key figure for the Pharaohs, is set to return to Cairo for further examinations, raising the possibility of surgical intervention to address his dislocated shoulder.
Stepping into the void left by El-Shenawy will be Mohamed Abou Gabal, affectionately known as Gabaski, who assumes the role of the starting goalkeeper for Egypt.
This scenario is not unfamiliar for Gabaski, who previously showcased his goalkeeping prowess under similar circumstances during AFCON 2021.
In that edition of the tournament, Gabaski, initially a replacement goalkeeper, rose to prominence with remarkable saves that garnered attention and contributed to Egypt’s performance.
As Egypt navigates the challenges of the tournament, the return of Gabaski to the starting lineup signifies a blend of experience and resilience.
The national team will look to rally around their replacement goalkeeper, drawing inspiration from his previous impactful performances in major competitions.
The absence of El-Shenawy undoubtedly poses a challenge, but Egypt remains determined to forge ahead with Gabaski between the posts, hoping for a successful campaign in AFCON 2023.
