Egypt coach Hamada Sedki lamented Hosni Abd-Rabou's injury news, stressing on the huge effect it could have on the African champions. Abd-Rabou damaged knee ligaments in an Ismaili friendly on Tuesday and is expected to be ruled out for six months. The 25-year-old will consequently miss the 2012 African Cup of Nations opening qualifier with Sierra Leone in September, much to the disappointment of the Egypt management. "It's a huge loss for us. It is a demoralizing loss, let alone the technical effect," Egypt's third man Sedki told FilGoal.com. "Sure he is one of the pillars of the team, but we'll have to search for a replacement in the near future." Abd-Rabou has been instrumental in Egypt's CAN 2008 victory, claiming the Player of the Tournament award in Ghana. He also played a role in Hassan Shehata's team's third straight continental crown this year in Angola.