Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah he was forced off with an injury before his side twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Egypt and Liverpool fans face an anxious wait to discover the extent of the problem after the 31-year-old was forced off in the final minute of the first half of a thrilling Group B match.
Salah fell to the ground in frustration with an apparent muscle injury and, after a brief watch from Egypt’s medical staff, handed the armband to defender Ahmed Hegazi as he was replaced by Mostafa Fathi.
To add insult to injury, moments later West Ham forward Muhammad Qudous broke the deadlock in superb fashion as he held the attention of three defenders before drilling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Salah, who scored a stoppage-time equalizer from the penalty spot as Egypt drew 2-2 with Mozambique in their opening group game, had earlier been involved in a furious altercation with referee Pierre Acho after Omar Marmouche was brought down in the area.
Salah appeared to appeal for a penalty despite the foul on Marmus and the former was perhaps lucky not to be shown a yellow card for his vociferous protests.
Despite the loss of Salah, Egypt started the second half well and had a goal disallowed for offside in the 51st minute before the impressive Marmouse was given the chance to equalise.
The 24-year-old rushed into a sad back from Inaki Williams and calmly rounded goalkeeper Richard Ofori before sliding the ball into an empty net from a tight angle.
The tie lasted just two minutes, however, as Kudus collected a pass from Denis Odoi in the area and saw his left-footed shot deflect slightly off the hapless Mohamed Abdelmonem and past goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
The breathtaking drive showed no sign of slowing down and Egypt equalized for the second time just three minutes later, with Ghana again guilty of contributing to their own downfall.
Osman Boukari he was cleared by Trezeguet on the right side of his area and the Trabzonspor midfielder drove to the line before pulling the ball back for Mustafa Mohamed to stab home.