Afcon: Egypt recalls Warda as Mali sends Niane packing

It is different strokes for Egypt’s Striker Amr Warda and his Malian counterpart Adama Niane at the ongoing Nations cup in Egypt.

While Amr Warda who was earlier kicked out the Pharaohs’ camp following accusation of sexual harassment leveled against him by Egyptian-British model Merhan Keller has been recalled Adama Niane has been ordered out of the Eagles of Mali camp for slapping his captain Abdoulaye Diaby following arguments over haircuts.

Although Warda will not be on duty for the pharaohs against Cranes of Uganda on Sunday, he will however be available for round of 16 ties and beyond if the Pharaohs go all the way.

Although the Egyptian FA did not give reasons for the U-turn less than 48 hours after the POAK winger was expelled it is however not unconnected with players intervention and solidarity with one of their own while offering public apology on  Thursday.

The association issued a statement on Friday, saying Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhi, had held a cordial meeting with the players and technical staff in the presence of Hany Abo Rida, president of the FA.

“During the meeting, Hani Abu Reda praised the spirit of solidarity between the players, and their desire to pardon their colleague Amr Warda and to lift the suspension from him” the statement said.

“The association has decided to reduce the player’s penalty to suspension until the end of the first round only.”

He Niane’s case the coach Mohamed Magassouba had to send the Charleroi ace away insisting that there is no room for indiscipline.

A team source said: “Certain players ordered a hairdresser to come to the team hotel.  Abdoulaye Diaby was the first to sit in the chair to have his hair cut which did not go down well with Niane who said some harsh words including asking how a ‘kid’ like him could dare to have his hair cut before Niane.