Egypt’s rising star Ibrahim 'proud' after Brazil praise

Egypt’s rising star Mohamed Ibrahim said he was proud after Brazil’s U-20 coach praised him following the 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener on Saturday. Ibrahim produced a superb display as Egypt caused an upset after coming from behind to hold four-time winners Brazil in Colombian city Barranquilla, thanks to a goal from versatile midfielder Omar Gaber. The dribbling skills and neat defence-splitting passes of Ibrahim were a constant menace to Brazil’s shaky backline, prompting the Selecao manager Ney Franco to lavish praise on the diminutive Zamalek midfielder. “The Egyptians performance was outstanding. They were very organised and some players, like Mohamed Ibrahim and Mohamed Salah, are awaiting a bright future,” Franco said after the match. Ibrahim, who was a regular starter for Zamalek in the latter stages of the Egyptian Premier League, said he was grateful to Franco. “I’m very happy with the words of Brazil’s coach. He shook my hands after the game and praised my display,” Ibrahim said on Zamalek’s official website on Sunday. “His praise makes me proud. I hope to play even better in the coming period.” Egypt next face Panama, who settled for a goalless draw with Austria, in their next Group E game on Tuesday.