The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) Board is leaving no stone unturned in its attempt to win a record extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
According to BEIN Sports Journalist Amr Nageeb Fahmy, the Board has announced that a calf has been slaughtered and parts of the slain calf have been given out to the poor.
The Board believes this sacrifice will protect the team from picking up injuries and also avoid drawing games at the competition.
Citi Sports understands that a similar practice was undertaken during Egypt’s 2008 AFCON run in Ghana that ended in Egypt’s second of three win AFCON title wins in a row.
Heading into the tournament as one of the strongest contenders, Egypt has failed to live up to the expectations after failing to win any of three Group B games at the 2023 AFCON.
Egypt drew 2-2 with Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique respectively but sneaked through to the round of 16 stage due to the 2-2 draw between Ghana and Mozambique in the final group game resulting in both countries finishing with two points.
On the injury front, Egypt has been rocked by the hamstring injury to star forward Mohammed Salah. The Liverpool player is expected to return to action should Egypt make it all the way to the AFCON final on February 11.
Salah has returned to Liverpool for extensive treatment to his injured hamstring.
EFA Board have just announced they slaughtered a calf and gave away the meat to the poor, a sacrifice to help the Pharaohs 🇪🇬 avoid more injuries and draws in this #AFCON2023
This tradition was applied in 2008 as well before lifting the trophy.— Amr Nageeb Fahmy (@amrnfahmy) January 26, 2024