The ongoing Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip prevents the entry of many medications needed to treat animals, particularly horses, that also suffer from Israel’s repeated wars on the enclave.
That left them requiring a draw against Egypt to advance out of the group stage and it was evident what the game-plan was in the first 45 minutes as the Olyroos sat back, and absorbed pressure, instead of pursuing the free-flowing attack that led to such a strong start at the Tokyo Games.
Arnold s conservative approach to the match proved costly as Egypt pounced on the counter attack and found soft spots to exploit in the tiring Olyroos defence.
Ahmed Fotouh #20 of Team Egypt shakes hands with Harry Souttar #5 of Team Australia (Getty)
Ahmed Rayan gave the Egyptians a 1-0 lead moments before halftime after Ramadan Sobhi nutmegged towering Aussie defender Harry Souttar to tee up Rayan to score.