EGYPT’S attempt to retain the African Nations Cup received a terrible blow when star striker Hazem Emam was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury. Emam hurt himself in a crunching tackle with Abdel Aziz Ayman during training at the Kano Pillars’ stadium and was rushed to hospital on Saturday evening. Egypt coach Gerard Gili said Emam’s absence would not stop them from beating Tunisia in Monday’s quarter-final. Egypt had already lost injured Youssef Mohammed last weekend.