Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim has been called to Egypt’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad to replace the injured Osama Galal.
Last Saturday, Rui Vitoria announced his 27-man squad for the upcoming AFCON, which included several surprises, most notably the exclusion of Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim.
The decision not to call up Ibrahim caused controversy among fans and pundits and led Egypt legend Ahmed Hossam Mido to label it as a ‘football crime’.
Yasser Ibrahim will now however have a chance to travel to Ivory Coast after getting called up to the national team squad to replace Pyramids FC’s Osama Galal, who picked up a knee injury.
The 30-year-old defender has six caps to his name and this will mark the first international trophy that will ever feature in for the Pharaohs.
Ibrahim had an exceptional Club World Cup campaign, guiding the Reds to the bronze medal following a string of strong performances against Ittihad Jeddah, Fluminense, and Urawa Red Diamonds.
This marks the second emergency call-up for Rui Vitoria’s side, with Mohanad Lasheen already replacing Ahmed Nabil Kouka due to an injury earlier on Wednesday.
