Egypt have been hit with a sizable fine and warning in the wake of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener against Zimbabwe, due to the Pharaohs players and staff failing to adhere to competition media rules.
Hossam Hassan's side seemed at risk of an upset inside 20 minutes of the game after Prince Dube put Zimbabwe ahead. However, Omar Marmoush was on hand to equalise, before Mohamed Salah scored in added time and ensured they left Adrar Stadium with all three points.
It was the start that Egypt had likely dreamt off. But they have landed themselves in hot water due to their actions after the final whistle, as no player or coaching staff member fulfilled their media duties.
Egypt's Mohamed Salah in action Related
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Egypt's Mohamed Salah pointing
Following their 2-1 victory against Zimbabwe, Egypt's players all seemingly rushed to leave the stadium. Footage has since emerged of captain Salah speeding through the mixed zone, failing to stop for reporters who wanted to grab a word.
Watch Footage of Salah After Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe Below:
According to African journalist Micky Jnr, the rest of the team acted in a similar fashion to the Liverpool star, but that has resulted in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stepping in and handing out a $5000 fine. As per Africa Top Sports, the governing body have confirmed that a failure of anyone from a delegation to conduct media duties is a violation of their media obligations.
In addition to the fine, CAF have also handed out a warning to Egypt, stating that even stricter sanctions could follow should the players fail to adhere to rules once again. It has been consistently stressed that media duties are crucial to promoting transparancy, fan engagement and the image of African football.
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Egypt coach Hossam Hassan holds his hands up
The warning from CAF will be fresh in the minds of the Egyptian squad following their most recent match at AFCON, which secured their place in the last 16 of the competition. Facing South Africa in matchday two, a penalty from Salah was enough to secure a second group stage win, despite Mohamed Hany's sending off just before half-time.
Two wins from two games is no less than what was expected of the Pharaohs prior to the competition, with them predicted to reach the Last 16 by a supercomputer. A victory in their final Group B match against Angola on Monday 29th December will be a big statement of intent before the knockout rounds get underway.