In a bid to break free from their recent string of injuries and draws at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has announced a unique tradition — the sacrificial slaughter of a calf.
The EFA stated that the meat from the calf was distributed to the poor, echoing a practice that was last employed in 2008, a year that saw Egypt clinch the AFCON trophy.
Journalist Amr Nageeb Fahmy shared the announcement on social media, revealing that this ritual was also carried out in 2008 before the Pharaohs went on to lift the AFCON trophy when Ghana hosted the tournament. According to him, this tradition is seen as a symbolic gesture aimed at ensuring the team’s success in the tournament.
EFA Board have just announced they slaughtered a calf and gave away the meat to the poor, a sacrifice to help the Pharaohs ?? avoid more injuries and draws in this #AFCON2023
This tradition was applied in 2008 as well before lifting the trophy.— Amr Nageeb Fahmy (@amrnfahmy) January 26, 2024
Despite their record as AFCON record holders with seven titles, Egypt have faced challenges in the current tournament, managing to draw all three group games. Additionally, injuries have plagued the team, including one sustained by their star player, Mohamed Salah, during the second group game against Ghana.
The Pharaohs now preparing for their upcoming clash against DR Congo in the Round of 16 scheduled for Sunday at the Stade de San Pedro. Despite their less-than-impressive form, the Pharaohs’ route to success looks favourable considering their historical success in the continental showpiece. If they emerge victorious against DR Congo, they will face either Guinea or Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-final.
Having secured their seventh title by defeating Ghana in the 2010 final, hosted in Angola, the Pharaohs have continually aspired for more victories, having experienced defeat to Cameroon in the 2017 final and to Senegal in the 2021 edition.
The unique tradition of sacrificing a calf reflects the team’s commitment to overcoming challenges and returning to their winning ways in AFCON 2023.