Egypt manager Hossam Hassan was involved in an unusual moment during his side’s 1-0 friendly defeat by South Africa at Cairo Stadium on Sunday.
The incident occurred as Egypt prepared to make changes in the 69th minute, with the hosts trailing after Buso Dithijani had given South Africa the lead.
Hassan was looking to strengthen his team after the visitors opened the scoring and introduced Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Hamza Abdelkarim as Egypt searched for an equaliser.
As the technical staff organised the substitutions, Mostafa Ziko appeared in front of the television cameras, seemingly preparing to leave the pitch. Hassan then noticed the player and turned towards members of the administrative staff behind him.
In a moment captured by the cameras, the Egypt manager suddenly asked: “Who said Ziko?”
Hassan subsequently decided that Mostafa Ziko would remain on the field. Instead, Omar Marmoush was withdrawn, creating one of the most noticeable moments of the match.
South Africa had taken the lead in the 51st minute when Dithijani capitalised on an error by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. After Shobeir came off his line incorrectly, the South Africa forward was able to place the ball into the net with ease.
The fixture formed part of both teams’ preparations for their upcoming commitments. Egypt dominated possession for long periods, particularly after the interval, but could not turn that control into a goal.
Despite their efforts in the second half, the hosts were unable to draw level. South Africa protected their advantage through to the final whistle to secure a 1-0 victory.
