Essam El Hadary became the oldest player ever to appear at the Africa Cup of Nations as Egypt drew 0-0 with Mali on their return to the tournament on Tuesday.

The 44-year-old goalkeeper came off the bench in the first half to replace the injured Ahmed El Shennawy and beat the old mark set by compatriot Hossam Hassan, who was 39 when he played at the 2006 Cup of Nations.

Otherwise, the Pharaohs’ return to Africa’s biggest stage after a seven-year absence proved to be something of an anti-climax with neither side creating many chances on a terrible playing surface in Port-Gentil.

The result means Ghana are in control of Group D following their 1-0 win against Uganda earlier in the day at the same venue.

But, for El Hadary, a clean sheet was a perfect return, if only the more forward thinking players could have done their jobs as well as the 44-year-old.