A current state of anticipation grips the Egyptian football enthusiasts due to the uncertain participation of Imam Ashour, a midfielder for the Egyptian national team, in the upcoming match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16.
This follows a head injury he sustained during the national team’s training in Ivory Coast.
Imam Ashour Turns to Sadio Mane for Participation in Egypt-Congo Face-off
The injury to Imam Ashour has brought back memories of a similar incident involving Sadio Mane, the captain of the Senegal national team, in the previous edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mane faced the same injury during the Round of 16 match against Cape Verde.
سوبر ساديو إلى الدور ربع النهائي من #كأس_الأمم_الإفريقية2021 🇸🇳
سجل ماني الهدف الأول أمام منتخب الرأس الأخضر بطريقة رائعة ثم خرج مصابًا، نتمنى له الشفاء العاجل! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/mNC6Wched7
— نادي ليفربول (@LFC_Arabic) January 25, 2022
At that time, Mane, who was playing for Liverpool, collided with the opponent’s goalkeeper, suffering a concussion.
The medical team promptly intervened to assist him.
However, after Mane’s injury in the 2021 edition in Cameroon, the Senegal national team’s medical staff deviated from the protocols set by FIFA.
They decided to let the player participate in the next match after the Teranga Lions qualified for the quarter-finals, facing Equatorial Guinea.
Mane continued playing in the Cape Verde match, even scoring a goal before being substituted at the 70th minute.
Despite seeking medical attention after the game and confirming a concussion through X-rays, Mane breached the head injury protocols.
He played the quarter-finals naturally for the full 90 minutes, leading FIFA to disclaim responsibility for any costs associated with the injury.
Egypt vs. Democratic Republic of Congo Match in Africa Cup of Nations
The much-anticipated clash between Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo is scheduled for next Sunday at 10:00 PM, marking the Round of 16 in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
