Egypt legend Gomaa blames failure to qualify for 2014 World Cup ahead of Ghana on long break of Egypt Premier League

Published on: 26 December 2013
Egypt legend Gomaa blames failure to qualify for 2014 World Cup ahead of Ghana on long break of Egypt Premier League
Wael Gomaa points to lack of inactivity to World Cup qualification failures

By Akyereko Frimpong Manson

Follow Akyereko on Twitter @Akyereko

Egypt captain Wael Gomaa claims the Pharaohs were unable to beat Ghana to the 2014 World Cup qualification ticket due to the long break in the Egyptian Premier League. 

Ghana humiliated the North African giants by handing down a 7-3 aggregate defeat in a double-legged tie in Kumasi and Cairo to reach their third straight World Cup while denying the seven-time AFCON champions their first ever appearance since 1990.

The Egyptian Premier League was suspended for almost two seasons due to home violence in chaotic political conditions and after seeing the top-flight league returning during the week, the defender has explained they failed to reach the finals mainly due to the inactivity of the season.

“The suspension of domestic football had a negative impact on players. We are always frustrated for the lack of competitive football. It also took its toll on Ahli at the Club World Cup, unlike last year when we played for third place. The return of the league is the best way to get the national team back on the right track,” Gomaa told the Al Ahly official website.

Egypt sacked their American head coach Bob Bradley as a results of their inability to qualify for the World Cup in their sixth straight attempt with the legendary Muhamed Aboutreika also retiring from football.

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