Several players complained about the lasers to the referee
Egypt’s players were targeted by several lasers in their World Cup play-off match against Senegal as the home fans attempted to distract their rivals.
Mohamed Salah and his teammates faced-off against Senegal in Dakar on Tuesday night, with the Pharaohs looking for revenge after losing the Africa Cup of Nations final to their opponents on penalties in February.
The away side came into the tie with a narrow lead following Friday night’s 1-0 triumph in Egypt.
When were the lasers first spotted?
As the two teams lined-up for the respective national anthems, a green laser was flashed into the eyes of Liverpool attacker Salah, who remained unmoved.
https://twitter.com/Coordssx/status/1508863120697085959
The lasers continued to be used through the opening stages of the match, with the home supporters keen to disrupt Egypt – especially when the ball was out of play and the players were stood still.
Several Egyptian players were targeted as they went down with injuries. Goalkeeper Mohammed El Shenawy and Aston Villa man Trezeguet both had lasers pointed at them in the opening stages of the match.
Did the players complain to the referee?
Despite calls from the away side, the referee appeared helpless considering that the lasers were coming from those in the crowd.
Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny was also targeted while talking to the referee and other officials.
While Egypt’s goalkeeper set-up to defend a Senegal free-kick, the home fans shined several lasers on his face in an attempt to unnerve him.
Senegal took the lead in the fourth minute through Hamdi Fathi’s own goal after Idrissa Gana Gueye delivered an inviting cross into the area.
Senegal vs Egypt World Cup qualifier second-leg has been good value for money. Mo Salah & team-mates targeted by multiple lasers. Pharaohs have had two stretchered off, six down 'injured' including goalkeeper who was struck by bottle. Home fans certainly playing their part… pic.twitter.com/5590WCY5nt
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) March 29, 2022
Egypt boss Carlos Quieroz was forced into some early changes when Rami Rabia and Omar Gaber were both stretchered off through injury.
At the time of writing, the tie remains 1-1 on aggregate and is currently in extra-time.
Related links:
- Sadio Mane reveals what he said to Mohamed Salah after Senegal beat Egypt in AFCON final
- Jamie Carragher slams Egypt’s decision to make Mo Salah fifth penalty taker
- Senegal win AFCON for the first time with penalty shootout triumph against Egypt
