After scoring a superb goal with Portugal’s Sporting Braga during the 3-2 win over French giants Marseille in the Europa League on Thursday, Egyptian striker Ahmed Hassan ‘Kouka’ insisted he played in the honour of his father, who died one day before the game.

The in-form 22-year-old attacker lost his father on Wednesday, but he played the game and he broke the deadlock on 61 minutes in brilliant fashion, sending an angled lob over the keeper for Braga’s opener. He then wept; kissed a black armband he wore, before being mobbed in solidarity by his teammates.

"It was a special moment for me and my family," Kouka said a post match interview.

"I'm here because of my father. I tried to score a goal for him. He was everything for me," the Egyptian star added.

"He always helped me. He taught me to be strong. I hope he rests in peace. He deserves it," Kouka concluded.

Braga lead Group F with nine points with Marseille six off the pace.

Kouka opened his account for Braga, whom he joined from Rio Ave in the close season, in a 1-0 victory over Dutch side FC Groningen in their previous Europa League Group F clash on 1 October.

He also bagged a brace in Egypt’s 3-0 friendly win over Zambia in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.

Kouka seems favourite to lead the Pharaohs’ frontline in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Chad next month.

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