Blatter: Few can match El-Gohary’s achievements

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has hailed the legacy left by the celebrated Egyptian footballer and coach Mahmoud El-Gohary, who died on Monday at the age of 74. The FIFA President learned of El-Gohary’s passing while en route from Tokyo from Africa and set about writing a letter to Amer Hussein, the Executive Manager of the Egyptian Football Association. While recalling his memories of El- Gohary, he wrote: ““There are few who can match his achievements in international and club football, being the only African to have lifted the Cup of Nations as both player and coach, as well as leading Egypt to the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals. “Another indication of his greatness is his work in football development with the Jordan Football Association, where he was prominent at both elite level – helping the national team rise up the FIFA rankings – and in youth football. His legacy will be felt for many years to come.” El-Gohary played for Egypt\'s top team, Al Ahly between 1955 and 1961, but injury forced him off the pitch. He went on to manage several clubs including Al Ahly and Zamalek, as well as the national teams of Oman, Egypt and Jordan. FIFA