Egyptian FA accuse Senegal fans of racism after 2022 World Cup play-off defeat

Photo Credit: AP

The Egyptian FA claim Mohamed Salah and his team-mates were subjected to racism and other intimidation tactics during their World Cup play-off defeat by Senegal.

Liverpool's Salah had a green laser shone in his face as he stepped up to take his penalty in the shootout after the 1-1 draw on aggregate.

Salah blazed his spot kick over while Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane scored Senegal's final penalty to ensure his side will play at this winter's World Cup.

The Egyptian FA has also claimed their team bus was attacked with rocks and bottles ahead of the crucial match in Dakar.

“The Egypt national team have been exposed to racism with offensive signs in the stands against the Egyptian players in general, and Mohamed Salah in particular,” read an official statement released by the Egyptian FA.

“The crowd also intimidated the players by throwing bottles and rocks on them during the warm-up. The Egyptian group’s buses have also been exposed to assaults that led to broken windows and injuries; filed with pictures and videos as proof in the complaint submitted.”

Egypt defeated Senegal 1-0 in the first leg in Cairo thanks to an own goal by Saliou Ciss.

However, Senegal utilised their home advantage on Tuesday night as Boulaye Dia netted the only goal of the match to level the scoring before the game was eventually decided on penalties.

Elsewhere in Africa, Ghana defeated rivals Nigeria as the two nations played out a 1-1 draw. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to keep the away goals rule so Ghana progressed at Nigeria's expense.

Cameroon, Morocco and Tunisia also qualified by eliminating Algeria, DR Congo and Mali respectively.



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