Emam Ashour changed three pairs of boots during Egypt’s win over South Sudan

Emam Ashour said he had to change three pairs of boots during Egypt’s 5-0 victory over South Sudan because of the extreme heat.

The Al Ahly midfielder played the full match as Egypt secured their first win in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“We put in a great effort over the 90 minutes despite the hot conditions, and managed to produce a good performance and a big result worthy of the name of Egypt,” Ashour told On Sport.

He added: “I changed three pairs of boots during the match and my toes were burned because of the high temperatures. We have to make sacrifices for our country.”

Ashour also provided the assist for Egypt’s fourth goal, scored by Omar Marmoush.

Marmoush scored twice, while Zico, Ibrahim Adel and Hamza Abdelkarim also found the net as Egypt recorded a 5-0 win.

The result took Egypt to four points in the group, following a goalless draw with Angola in their opening fixture.

Mohamed Salah, the Trabzon Turkish player, and Mohamed Abdelmonem, the Nice French player, were absent for Egypt because the match was played on an artificial-turf pitch.