Zamalek and Egypt defender Ahmed Fatouh has disclosed that he had to play through injury at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the blind side of head coach Hossam Hassan.
According to him, he featured in the semi-final clash against Senegal while carrying an injury.
Speaking during a televised interview, Fatouh explained that the problem began during Egypt’s 3-2 quarter-final victory over Ivory Coast.
He said he sustained an injury in that game, received injections, had his foot heavily bandaged and still chose to take responsibility by playing the first half against Senegal.
According to him, the decision was taken independently and not communicated to the technical bench. He was later withdrawn at halftime, despite his desire to continue if his physical condition allowed.
Clarifying the role of the national team’s medical staff, Fatouh noted that Dr Mohamed Abu El Ela clearly explained the severity of the injury to him, but stressed that the final call to play was entirely his own.
“The doctor explained the extent of the injury to me, but the final decision to participate was mine,” the defender stated.
