Ittihad Jeddah’s Ahmed Hegazi has left the Egyptian national team camp for personal reasons before their clash against Croatia.

Egypt had earned a 1-0 victory against New Zealand on home soil in their opening game of the Winsunited Cup on Friday. Mostafa Mohamed’s first-half penalty was the difference between both sides as it secured a spot for the Pharaohs in the competition’s final.

Despite being called up to the squad, Ahmed Hegazi remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes as Al Ahly duo Ramy Rabia and Mohamed Abdelmonem started in defence.

Just hours ahead of Egypt’s encounter against Croatia, it has been confirmed that Hegazi headed back to Saudi Arabia for personal reasons.

“The national team led by Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan have allowed Ahmed Hegazi to deal with an emergency,” the Egyptian Football Association said in a statement.

“It was also agreed with the player that he would return to the camp should things get back to normal again for his family.”

• Kingfut.