"My foot swelled up after a harsh challenge with a Zambia player, who completely stepped onto my instep," the Ahli man said after the game.

Hassan was briefly treated when he picked up the injury on 77 minutes, and he had to finish the game as Egypt's three substitutions were already made.

"I reckon my ankle has been twisted, not to mention suffering a harsh bruise," he added. "I'll undergo a scan in a while, and it will indicate how serious the injury is."

Apart from his injury concerns, former Anderlecht midfielder Hassan stood up for his teammates, who are facing a baptism of fire after putting in a lackluster performance against the Chipolopolo.

"All in all, we were impulsive and some of us were clearly jinxed. but our fans have to keep on supporting us," he said. "We still have a long way to go.

"After taking the lead we lost our concentration, and when Zambia brought the score level we started to worry and depended on the long passes; a playing style that we aren't accustomed to."