The Zamalek on-loan striker was surprisingly excluded from a 23-man squad announced by Egypt boss Hassan Shehata on Wednesday for the biennial tournament, which runs from January 10-31 in Angola.

Sedki denied widespread rumors that Mido, who took part in the 1-1 home draw with Malawi on Tuesday, showed lack of commitment during the Pharaohs' recent training camp.

"The decision to leave him out of the squad is purely down to technical reasons," Sedki told Al-Hayat TV without further elaboration.

"I talked to him yesterday to inform him of the technical staff's decision. And today, Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan phoned him to ease his disappointment."

Mido said earlier in the day that he knew he would be out of the tournament through internet.

His absence will leave Shehata with only one experience striker at his disposal - Borussia Dortmund's Mohamed Zidan.

Mido, who has plenty of experience in European football, has hardly made an impact on the international stage since making his Egypt debut in 2001, aged 17.

His spell with the six-time African champions was marred by consistent off-field problems.

The 26-year-old scored 19 goals in 51 appearances with Egypt.