Fattouh Played Hurt Without Hassan Knowing, Salah Apologized Publicly For His Remarks

Event recap

Ahmed Fattouh, the Zamalek and Egypt full-back, said in an interview that he played the AFCON 2025 semi-final against Senegal while injured, as Egypt lost 1-0.

He explained that the injury occurred against Ivory Coast (3-2) in the quarterfinals, he received injections and his leg was strapped, and he took the field in the first half against Senegal on his own responsibility, without coach Hossam Hassan knowing, before being substituted at halftime.

He added that he would have liked to continue if his condition had allowed.

Injury and team dynamics

He noted that the team doctor explained the extent of the injury, but the final call to play remained his own.

Fattouh said teammates were aiming to win the title for Mohamed Salah, given his immense support and leadership, his confidence in the squad, and his constant talks with them before matches, especially before facing Ivory Coast.

He addressed the controversy around Salah’s comments about local players, stressing that Salah did not intend to belittle anyone, but spoke about the pace of play and the need for players used to competing every three days. Salah sat with the players, apologized, and clarified his stance.

Senegal clash and aftershocks

On the Senegal game, Fattouh believes Egypt were technically stronger than the Lions of Teranga, but the match conditions and physical fatigue worked against them, forcing a cautious approach to avoid conceding.

He added that Hassan did not ask them to defend, but at halftime the coach felt the players’ fatigue and opted for a more conservative style.

Punchline 1: If injuries could win titles, Fattouh would have a cabinet full of medals. Punchline 2: Salah apologized for his remarks, proving that even stars need rewrites after a dramatic plot twist.