"I was set to start but the technical staff preferred to rest me as I wasn't a 100% fit for the game," he told a TV show after the quarter final tie.

Chief of delegation Hazem Al-Hawari announced before the game that Zidan has recovered from his ankle injury but won't feature in the game.

The Pharaohs number 9 has been totally excluded from the lineup and watched the game from the stands.

The match commentator said during the game that Zidan has been excluded for disciplinary reasons.

"I had several calls from my parents after these totally false accusations.

"I have an excellent relationship with the coach and all my teammates and I feel very comfortable in the group," added the Hamburg striker.

After the game he went down onto the pitch and celebrated the win with his teammates and the technical staff.