Egypt officials sacrifice cow for better fortune at AFCON

The Egyptian Football Association has sacrificed a cow in a bid to bring the team more luck at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Team spokesman Mohamed Morad told The Associated Press on Friday the federation killed the cow and distributed the meat to needy people in Cairo the day before.

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Egypt, who have yet to win a game, play Congo DR in the round of 16 in San Pedro on Sunday. The team's flight from Abidjan to San Pedro was delayed by an hour Friday.

Egypt's campaign has been hit by injuries. The Pharaohs lost star Mohamed Salah to a hamstring injury in their second group game, then goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy with a dislocated shoulder in the third and last group game.

Emam Ashour was hospitalised overnight Wednesday for concussion treatment after a head injury in training. He has since rejoined the squad.

Egypt players reportedly sacrificed a calf during training before going on to win the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Egypt, the record seven-time champions, have drawn their three group games. But so did Congo. Only one will win Sunday.