ACL Blow, But Pharaohs Press On: Egypt Advances to AFCON Quarters Despite Key Injuries
5 January 2026
Injury updates after a dramatic win
Dr. Mohamed Abou El-Ala, head of the medical team for the Egypt national side, announced that left-back Mohamed Hamdi suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Hamdi left the Benin match in the 45th minute, clutching his knee and wincing from strong pain.
In statements to the Egyptian Football Association's communications center, imaging confirmed Hamdi's ACL tear in the knee.
What’s next for Egypt at AFCON
The update said the player will undergo surgery in the coming days.
Officials also noted Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet sustained an ankle sprain.
Trezeguet underwent medical tests that indicated an ankle injury, with efforts under way to ready him for the rest of the tournament.
Egypt progressed to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a 3-1 win over Benin after 120 minutes following a 1-1 draw in regulation.
