Egypt's Ahmed Hassan equals international apperance record
Last updated on .From the section Football
Egypt midfielder Ahmed Hassan has equalled the record for the world's most-capped footballer after playing for his country on Monday.
The 36-year-old earned his 178th cap in a 2-0 friendly defeat by Brazil in Doha in an international friendly.
Hassan made his national team debut aged just 20 at the end of 1995.
He now shares the record held by Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohamed Al Deayea, who last played in 2006.
Hassan replaced Hosni Abd Rabou in the 73rd minute and was given the captain's armband by Wael Gomaa, who came over to the touchline to hand it to him.
The midfielder's latest achievement enhances his revered status in Egyptian football and follows other personal milestones, including four Africa Cup of Nations titles and success in the African Champions League.
Hassan, whose phenomenal workrate has endeared him to fans, played at Besiktas in Turkey and for Anderlecht of Belgium.
The player has never appeared at the World Cup finals and was released by Cairo giants Al Ahly in June, only to join their arch-rivals Zamalek.
In a recent Egyptian television appearance, Hassan said he hoped to play until the age of 40.
According to Fifa's list of most national team appearances, Hassan is out on his own among still active internationals.
Next on the list is Argentina full-back Javier Zanetti, who had a brief comeback for his country in June, to take his tally to 141 caps.
The most-capped British footballer is goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who made 125 appearances for England.