Uganda Cranes opponents Egypt have suffered an injury blow with Al Ahly defender Rami Rabia ruled out of AFCON 2017.
Rabia, a regular at the heart of defence alongside club teammate Ahmed Hegazy was injured in training according to the official statement from his club and will be out for six weeks.
“Rabia picked up an injury in training on Sunday. A scan has shown he will be sidelined for six weeks,” Al Ahly announced as quoted by BBC Sport.
This comes as a big blow to the Pharaohs coach Hector Cuper who is set to announce his squad for the championships due in Gabon between January 17 – February 5, 2017.
The seven time champions are also still monitoring the progress of star attacker Mohamed Salah who is sidelined with injury.
Tunisia friendly
Meanwhile, the Pharaohs who return to the Africa’s biggest show bonanza for the first time since 2010 have confirmed an international friendly with fellow North Africans Tunisia.
The game will be played on January 8 in Cairo, six days to the kickoff of the competition in Gabon.
Egypt will open their account in Port Gentil on January 17 against Mali, then face Uganda three days later before concluding the tournament with Ghana on January 25 in group D.
