Hassan equals world record with 178th cap
Reuters - Monday 14 November 2011, 19:07
Egypt midfielder Ahmed Hassan
equalled the record for the most international appearances after
earning his 178th cap in a 2-0 friendly defeat by Brazil in Doha
on Monday.
The 36-year-old, who made his national team debut aged just
20 at the end of 1995, now shares the record held by Saudi
Arabia goalkeeper Mohamed Al Deayea, who last played in 2006.
Hassan replaced Hosni Abd Rabou in the 73rd minute and was
immediately welcomed in regal fashion by his team-mates, given
the captain's armband by Wael Gomaa who came over to the
touchline to hand it to him.
Hassan's latest achievement continues his revered status in
Egyptian football and follows other personal milestones,
including four African Nations Cup titles and success in the CAF
Champions League.
The midfielder, whose phenomenal work rate has endeared him
to fans, played at Besiktas in Turkey and for Anderlecht of
Belgium.
Hassan has never appeared at the World Cup finals and was
released by Cairo giants Al Ahli in June, only to promptly join
their arch rivals Zamalek.
In a recent Egyptian television appearance, Hassan said he
hoped to play until the age of 40.
According to FIFA's list of most national team appearances,
Hassan is out on his own among still active internationals.
Next on the list is Argentine full-back Javier Zanetti, who
had a brief comeback for his country in June, to take his tally
to 141 caps.