An African international has admitted to hiding an injury from his national team manager this week to avoid being left out of his country's starting XI.
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Captained by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, Egypt beat Botswana 4-0 away from home in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.
Before a goal from the Premier League winger, the Pharaohs found themselves two goals ahead after 29 minutes following a first-half brace from Mahmoud Trezeguet.
The 29-year-old, who currently plays his club football in Turkey, has now struck 20 times for Egypt in 76 appearances, according to Transfermarkt.
Speaking after the game, the ex-Aston Villa attacker said he was covering up an injury to his hand from head coach Hossam Hassan.
"I joined the Egyptian national team camp with an injury to my hand and I was wearing a long brace so that Hossam Hassan would not notice the injury and keep me out of the line-up," he told ONTime Sports.
"I have been playing for Egypt for the past 11 years and being among the top 10 goalscorers in the history of the country is a remarkable achievement which I am very proud of.
"Every game I play feels the same as my first one. I try to give my all and I am certainly not afraid of injury."
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A late goal from substitute Mostafa Fathi capped off Egypt's convincing victory away in Botswana, with the Pharaohs currently topping Group C.
