Egypt´s Motaeb doubtful for Nations Cup final

Egypt striker Emad Motaeb is likely to miss the final of the Africa Cup of Nations against Ghana on Sunday due to a hamstring strain, team officials said.

“He picked up a hamstring injury and he’s likely to miss the final,” said Egypt assistant coach, Hamada Sedki.

“There is not enough time between the semi-finals and the final, so his chances to be fit for the game are slim.”

The Al Ahly star suffered the injury in Egypt’s 4-0 trouncing of fierce rivals Algeria in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Motaeb, who is reported to have interested English Premier League side Portsmouth after scoring twice thus far in Angola, was forced to give way to Hossam Ghaly in the second half.

His place could well be taken by ENPPI striker Ahmed Raouf as tournament top scorer with four goals, Mohamed ‘Gedo’ Nagy has been used as a substitute. Six-time African champions Egypt are on course to win a third successive Nations Cup title when they tackle Ghana on Sunday in Luanda’s November 11 Stadium.