The death of Egypt and Ahli defender Mohamed comes as a tragedy, not just to his family, but to all of the Egyptian, Arab and African football fans who saw this young player excel with club and country. His darting speed, inch-perfect crosses and powerful shots have helped Ahli and Egypt bag several titles. The 22-year-old, who collapsed and died in Ahli's morning training session on Thursday, began his professional career with Aluminum club. He very quickly caught the eye of then national youth team coach Hassan Shehata who included him in his squad. The player who was born in the rural town of Al-Fayoum on October 1st, 1983 was a member of the Egyptian youth team that won the 2003 African Cup of Nations in Mali. His excellent form in the World Youth Championship in the Emirates encouraged UAE side Al-Zafra to sign him on a four-year-contract. However, he did not get to wear Al-Zafra's colors as he spent his first year on-loan to ENPPI and earned himself a place under Italian coach Marco Tardelli who was in charge of the Egyptian national team at the time. Abdul-Wahab himself was surprised by the selection. "I can't believe it," Abdul-Wahab told FilGoal.com at the time. "There are more experienced players in Egypt like Tarek Al-Sayed, Tarek Al-Saied and Osama Hassan. But I'm very grateful to (assistant coach) Ismail Youssef.
Abdul-Wahab was loved and respected by his teammates Abdul-Wahab proved his coach right and scored on debut in the opening 2006 World Cup qualifier against Sudan. He then joined Ahli on a two-year loan but failed to secure a staring place in his first season with the Red Devils since coach Manuel Jose depended mainly on Angolan international Gilberto. His break came in the 2005 African Champions League final against Etoile Sahel of Tunisia when Gilberto left the pitch injured after ten minutes. Jose fielded Abdul-Wahab and the player repaid his coach by setting-up the second goal for Osama Hosni in the 3-0 win that saw the club crowned African champions. Abdul-Wahab became a pivotal member of Shehata's national squad and helped Egypt win the 2006 African Cup of Nations on home soil. His steady performances helped Ahli secure their second local title, the Egyptian Cup and African Super Cup in the same season. Ahli then moved to land the player on permanent basis from Al-Zafra who turned down the offer. However, a clause in the player's contract with the UAE side allowed him to annul it and sign for Ahli, triggering a tug-of-war between Ahli and Al-Zafra and leaving the player inactive for the entire summer. But fate chose to save the player from this transfer saga and his life came to an end before FIFA determined his future. God Bless his soul. FilGoal.com offers its condolences to the player's family, friends and Egypt's football fans.
