Imam Ashour, the star of Al Ahly and the Egyptian national team, did not participate in Egypt's match against Angola, which took place yesterday in the third round of the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The match between Egypt and Angola ended in a 0-0 draw, with Egypt advancing to the round of 16 as the leader of Group B with 7 points.

Al-Youm Al-Sabea newspaper reported that Hossam Hassan refused to include Imam Ashour in the match against Angola because he considers the player to be a key member of the Pharaohs' main squad, not a substitute. Therefore, the coach preferred to try out new players in the game.

The newspaper added that Imam Ashour's absence from Egypt's starting lineup against Angola gave some substitute players the opportunity to prove their abilities and earn the coaching staff's trust, in anticipation of relying on them in the upcoming stages of the tournament.