Egypt’s head coach Hector Cupper has banned his players from talking to the media ahead of their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations clash against Mali on Tuesday at Port Gentil Stadium.

According to journalists from Egypt, Cupper asked Egyptian Football Association board member Hazem El-Hawary to keep the media away from players at the team’s residence.

“The technical team and players would be allowed to speak to the media during the press conference prior to every game”.

Daily News Egypt also reported that the Egyptian media contingent was left angered by the coach’s actions.

Cupper had also refused to allow the media mission to travel on board the private aeroplane carrying the national team to Gabon, before Hany Abo Rida, president of the Egypt Football Federation was able to change his mind.

The Pharaohs are in Group D with Uganda Cranes, Ghana Black Stars and Mali.