Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkarim caught in Egypt selection row

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan is facing criticism over Barcelona youngster Hamza Abdelkarim’s limited role with the national team. According to Barca Universal, the 19-year-old remained on the bench before featuring as a substitute in Egypt’s 1-0 friendly defeat to South Africa, despite recently scoring his first senior international goal against South Sudan.

After the match, footage appeared to show Hassan speaking sternly to Abdelkarim, with the player reportedly looking frustrated. Former Egypt international Bashir El Tabei also questioned the manager’s decision, arguing that Abdelkarim should have started and been given more minutes in a friendly.The situation has sparked growing debate over the youngster’s treatment.