Egypt international defender Mohamed Abdul-Wahab has passed away after suffering heart failure during practice on Thursday. Abdul-Wahab collapsed during Ahli's morning training session and was rushed to 'Egypt International Hospital' in Dokki, Cairo, but the 22-year-old winger passed away before he could be revived. "He just fell on the ground during training," said Ahli assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri in a phone interview with Al-Jazeera sports channel. "We tried to revive him on the pitch before taking him to the hospital where they did all they can to resuscitate him, but it was too late. "It's a great loss...God rest his soul." Asked if the player was suffering from exhaustion lately Al-Badri said: "Not at all. He wasn't even participating in matches lately. "Abdul-Wahab, along with all of Ahli's players, underwent a full medical ahead of the World Club Championship last December." "The cause of death is listed as heart failure on the coroner's report," Al-Badri added. A GREAT SHOCK The demise of Abdul-Wahab has hit his teammates in Ahli and the national team like a thunder bolt. "It just happened without any warning," Ahli striker Osama Hosni who was present in practice told FilGoal.com.
"He didn't clash with anyone and didn't get hurt during the training," said Hosni. We were playing a mini-match when he just collapsed on the ground." "We were all stunned and accompanied him to the hospital where we were told that he passed." Abdul-Wahab's teammates in the national team camp were also shocked to receive the news during the morning seminar conducted by coach Hassan Shehata in preparation for an African Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi in Cairo on Saturday. FilGoal.com has learned that coach Shehata and the players will travel to Abdul-Wahab's hometown, Al-Fayoum, to attend the funeral proceedings later on Thursday. The players will also wear a black armband and observe a moment of silence in Saturday's game, Egyptian FA officials said. TUG-OF-WAR Abdul-Wahab has been the center of a tug-of-war between Ahli, who had the player on-loan for two years, and his original UAE club Al-Zafra. Ahli were close to signing the versatile winger after resolving his contract issues with the UAE club through FIFA next month. Abdul-Wahab has been inactive since annulling his contract with Al-Zafra but has been training with Ahli until FIFA made its verdict regarding his status. During his two-year spell with Ahli, Abdul-Wahab won two Egyptian league titles, an Egypt Cup title, an African Champions League title, and a local and African Super Cup title. The former Aluminum and ENPPI player was also a pivotal member of the Egyptian squad that won the African Cup of Nations on home soil earlier this year. A Tragic End to Abdul-Wahab's Fairytale Career
