Player that cost Egypt the 1998 World Cup to become president

Liberian former professional footballer George Weah, who cost Egypt its chance to participate in the 1998 World Cup, will compete in the country’s presidential run-off after preliminary results showed he won 39.2% in the first round of elections.

According to polls, Weah is favored to become the president of Liberia, which has a population of 4 million and witnessed a destructive civil war from 1989 until 1996, killing around 250,000 people, including Weah's parents.

The 51-year-old former soccer player, has converted from Christianity to Islam but later converted again. He is viewed as one of the best African players as in 1995 he was named FIFA World Player of the Year and he’s also won the Ballon d’Or.

Weah’s football skills defeated the Egyptian team in 1997 when Egypt and Liberia played a world cup qualifier match in Ghana.

The Egyptian team was assured because it will play against a team that’s described as weak. However, Weah scored one goal and concluded the match in Liberia’s favor, ending Egypt’s dream of qualifying for the 1998 World Cup.