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Hassan finally arrives to boost Egypt's Cup campaign
© Reuters 2002
BAMAKO, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Egypt's veteran striker Hossam Hassan finally arrived at the African Nations Cup in Bamako on Tuesday after receiving treatment for a hamstring injury in Paris.
The 35-year-old joined up with his team mates at the tournament in Mali after having undergone 10 days treatment at French club Paris St Germain. He will be the oldest player in the tournament.
Hassan had not been replaced before the start of the Nations Cup with Egyptian coach Mahmoud Al Gohari gambling he would recover in time to play some part in the continental championship.
He told reporters he was keen to line-up for Egypt in their final Group D match against Zambia in Bamako on Thursday.
Egypt are well placed to join Senegal, who have already qualified, as the two teams to go through from the group to the quarter-finals.
"It's up to Al Gohari, if he thinks I'm fit enough, then I'll play," Hassan said. Hassan, formerly the world's most capped international, has participated in five previous Nations Cup tournaments and was the joint leading goal scorer when Egypt won in Burkina Faso four years ago.
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