Salah Praised, Warda Pardoned: Egypt Seek Perfect Sweep Against Uganda

CAIRO, Egypt- Egypt midfielder Amr Warda, who was kicked out of the squad over claims of sexual harassment, will return for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages at the request of his team-mates as legend Wael Gomaa praised superstar Mohamed Salah and criticised coach Javier Aguirre before the Africa Cup of Nations hosts confront Uganda in Group A Sunday.

The 25-year-old Warda was excluded ahead of Wednesday's 2-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo after sexual harassment claims surfaced earlier this week on social media platforms. Multiple women posted screenshots and testimonies of Warda's alleged lewd comments, as well as explicit videos attributed to the player.

The head of the Egyptian FA, Hani Abou Rida, "has decided to reduce the suspension of the player so it only runs until the ends of the first round," the association said in a statement.

Hosts Egypt are already qualified for the last 16 of the competition after victories in their first two games in Group A.

Warda's team-mates expressed support for him both during and after the win over DR Congo, with Salah calling for "a second chance" while strongly condemning harassment.

Warda, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Atromitos from PAOK in Greece, issued an apology to supporters in a video on Facebook.

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"Hani Abou Rida recognised the spirit of solidarity between the players and their wish to forgive their team-mate Amr Warda," the Egyptian FA added.

His reintegration into the squad sparked controversy on social media in Egypt, considered one of the worst offenders worldwide for sexual harassment -- endured by more than 99 percent of women in the county according to a 2013 United Nations report.

A lot of internet users, including women, took to his defence while the "team of harassers" hashtag, in Arabic, was the most shared in Egypt on Friday according to Twitter.

Faced with calls for leniency towards Warda, other internet users denounced a double standard in a country where several women and homosexuals are imprisoned for "inciting debauchery".

At the same time, Gomaa hailed the Pharaohs superstar but slammed the Mexican boss for tactical naivety.

"We depend on Salah and Trezeguet (Mahmoud Hassan) in attack, the determination of midfielder Tarek Hamed and brilliant defender Ahmed Hegazy," said the beIN Sports analyst.

"We have no tactics or strategy. Aguirre is so bad with his line-ups and substitutions," added the former Egypt and Al Ahly centre-back, who retired five years ago.

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Here, AFP Sport previews the final matches in Group A and Group B with record seven-time champions Egypt and Nigeria already sure of last-16 places.

Egypt v Uganda

This will be the fifth Cup of Nations clash between the countries and Egypt are set to maintain a perfect record and finish top of the table in Cairo.

Mexican Aguirre was puzzled by the second-half loss of tempo in a midweek win over the Democratic Republic of Congo and is considering making changes.

"Many players appeared exhausted against the Congolese and need rest, so I am considering introducing new faces against Uganda."

Uganda lie second and are set to reach the knockout phase of a Cup of Nations for the first time since 1978 whatever the result.   

DR Congo v Zimbabwe

Although the Congolese have suffered two-goal losses to Uganda and Egypt, they could still sneak into the second round as one of the best four third-place teams if they win in Cairo.

Woeful against Uganda, the Congolese were much better in their second outing and struck the woodwork twice when falling to Egypt.

"After the unacceptable performance we produced against Uganda, the boys played a great game against Egypt and will fight for three points against Zimbabwe," vowed coach Florent Ibenge.

Taking a point against Uganda means Zimbabwe are better placed than DR Congo to survive, provided the likes of captain Knowledge Musona finish better and secure maximum points.

Nigeria v Madagascar

Nigeria are through to the second round after two single-goal Group B victories in coastal city Alexandria and debutants Madagascar should also progress.

In the likely event that the Indian Ocean islanders lose to the three-time champions, they still look good to book a last-16 place as one of the four best third-place finishers. 

It would be remarkable achievement for a nation ranked so low that they had to beat Sao Tome e Principe just to reach the qualifying competition for the 2019 Cup of Nations.

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr was thrilled that the winner against Guinea followed a corner, saying: "We have spent a lot of time during training practising corner-kick situations."

Burundi v Guinea

Guinea, whose best Cup of  Nations finish was second behind Morocco in Ethiopia 43 years ago, must defeat debutants Burundi in Cairo to avoid a shock early exit.  

Belgian coach Paul Put axed goalkeeper Aly Keita after an error-riddled draw with Madagascar and the side performed much better despite losing to Nigeria.

"We have made things difficult for ourselves," admitted Put, who took outsiders Burkina Faso to the 2013 final won by Nigeria. "We must beat Burundi to stand a chance of qualifying."

Burundi need a win to have any chance of surviving and are looking to score for the first time in the tournament after losing twice to late second-half goals.