Mohamed abd el wahab
Born in July 13, 1983 – August 31, 2006 was an Egyptian footballer, playing in defence, who was an important part of the Egyptian squad that won the 2006 African Nations Cup. He died during training with his club Al Ahly on 31 August 2006.
Early life and career:
Mohamed Abdelwahab was born in the rural town of Al Fayyum. He began his professional career with Aluminum club and whilst there caught the eye of then national youth team coach Hassan Shehata, who included him in his squad. He went on to be part 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 United Arab Emirates encouraged UAE side Al-Zafra to sign him on a four-year-contract. However, he did not make any appearances at Al-Zafra and spent his first year on-loan to ENPPI. Whilst there he was called up to the Egyptian national team by Italian coach Marco Tardelli. Abdelwahab scored on his debut in the national team's opening 2006 World Cup qualifier against Sudan.
He then joined Al Ahly on a two-year loan but failed to secure a staring place in his first season with the club 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. Abdelwahab was brought on and went on to set-up Osama Hosni for Al-Ahly's second goal in the 3-0 win that saw the club crowned African champions.
Abdelwahab became a pivotal member of Hassan Shehata's national squad and helped Egypt win the 2006 African Cup of Nations on home soil by scoring the second penalty in the penalty shootout against Côte d'Ivoire. His steady performances helped Al Ahly secure their second local title, the Egyptian Cup and African Super Cup in the same season.
Ahly 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 Ahly, triggering a tug-of-war between Ahly and Al-Zafra and leaving the player inactive for the entire summer, causing him to lose his place in the national side. FIFA had still not determined the outcome of the disagreement when he died on August 31, 2006.
Death:
Abdelwahab collapsed during Ahly's morning training session on 31 August 2006. He was rushed to 'Egypt International Hospital' in Dokki, Cairo, but the 23-year-old winger passed away before he could be revived. National coach Hassan Shehata and the players will travel to Abdelwahab's hometown, Al Fayyum, to attend the funeral proceedings.
