Uganda’s most feared opponent Egypt have been hit with the news that they will be without Rami Rabia for the Africa Cup of Nations after the defender picked up an injury.
According to Al-Ahly, the 23-year-old picked up an injury during a training session on Christmas Day and has been ruled out for six weeks. The loss represents a significant headache for Pharaohs boss Hector Cuper, with the Argentine manager now left looking around for a stop-gap solution at the heart of his backline.
Egypt are returning to the Afcon having missed the last three tournaments—from 2012 to 2015—with the North African giants suffering an unexpected fall from grace after winning a hat trick of continental titles in the previous trio of tournaments.
Despite the loss of Rabia, they head to Gabon among the dark horses for the title, having advanced to the tournament proper by seeing off Nigeria and Tanzania in Group G.
The Pharaohs conceded just once in four qualifiers, with centre-back Rabia a key figure in their miserly defensive performances, yet Cuper will now have to turn to the likes of Ali Gabr or Hamada Tolba to partner Ahmed Hegazy in his backline.
Cairo-born Rabia returned to Ahly in 2015 after a one-year stay in Portugal with Sporting Club, where he struggled to make an impact with the Primeira Liga heavyweights.
The 23-year-old made his Egypt debut in 2013, and has been central to the Pharaohs’ return to the continental high table, having previously won a gold medal with the U-20 side at the African Youth Championship in 2013.
Cuper’s side have been drawn in Group D at the Afcon, and will have to oust two of Ghana, Uganda and Mali to reach the Last 16.
@Kwese
