CAIRO: Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan apologized for being sent off in the 2008 African Nations Cup qualifier 0-0 draw in Burundi on Sunday.

The Anderlecht playmaker saw red shortly after the break when he lashed out at a Burundi player, and his expulsion had a negative impact on the African champions.

I want to apologize to the fans for what happened in the Burundi game, I also want to apologize to my teammates for letting the team down, Hassan told FilGoal.com.

I am very disappointed because this is the first time I lose my temper throughout my career.

The 32-year-old will miss Egypt s decisive game against Botswana next month when the Egyptians need a win to secure a place in the Ghana finals.