Egypt midfielder Ahmed Hassan became the most capped footballer in the world Wednesday by coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 friendly victory over Niger. The 36-year-old was introduced by coach Bob Bradley with 14 minutes left in Qatar capital Doha to win his 179th cap and overtake retired Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al Deayea.
Hassan thought he had reached the magical mark in a 5-0 rout of Kenya two days ago, but the east Africans sent an under-23 squad so the match was not an official international. His joy at reaching the milestone was tinged with sadness as he admitted to still being traumatised by the deaths of 74 football fans after a league match in Port Said this month.
It was the biggest Egyptian sporting tragedy and several national team stars, including Mohammed Abou Treika, Mohamed Barakat and Emad Moteab, reacted by announcing their retirements. "Of course I am happy with the achievement, but my happiness is not complete. I am still saddened by the death of Al Ahly fans in the Port Said disaster," Hassan said on his website. "I have waited for this achievement for so long, but I hoped to get it in better circumstances," added the model professional whose club career spanned several in Egypt and Turkey plus Belgian outfit Anderlecht.
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