By Paul Fletcher BBC Sport Online

Hossam Hassan is the most famous of all Egyptian footballers - and is still showcasing the razor-sharp scoring instincts that have characterised his career.

Hassan scored both goals as Zamalek beat TP Mazembe 2-0 over the weekend to record an aggregate 3-1 win and secure a place in this season's African Champions League final.

I would like to have played in Germany, Italy or Spain but it just didn't happen Hossam Hassan

In the context of Hassan's controversial and successful career, it is another milestone to add to a lengthy list of achievements.

The striker has won more domestic titles than any other Egyptian player.

While playing for Al Ahly, he won 11 Egyptian titles, four Egyptian Cup and African Cup Winners Cup titles and the African Champions Cup.

He was brilliant as Egypt won the 1998 African Nations Cup in Burkino Faso, scoring seven goals and named player of the tournament.

And he became the most capped player of all time when he collected his 151st cap in January 2001, though the record has since been overtaken by Mexico's Claudio Suarez.

But for all his achievements Hassan is a controversial figure, who has never been afraid to speak his mind and has often found himself embroiled in heated disputes.

Hassan joined Al Ahly as a 16-year-old - along with his twin brother Ibrahim - and was a hero to their supporters.

But the Hassan twins walked out in 2000 and stunned African football by joining arch rivals Zamalek.

In typical fashion Hassan scored twice as his new team beat Al Ahly 3-1 in the 97th Cairo derby and has since won the Egyptian league with his new club, as well as the Egyptian Cup.

In May 2002 Hossam and his brother were suspended for the rest of the Egyptian season after making obscene gestures to the Al Ahly crowd during their team's 6-1 derby defeat.

After his outstanding performances in the 1998 African Cup of Nations, Hassan was fully expecting to win the African Footballer of the Year award.

Hassan tackles Ruud Gullit during the 1990 World Cup

And the fiery striker was scathing in his criticism when the award went to Morocco's Mustapha Hadji.

"Of course I was surprised when I didn't receive it," said Hassan. "I naturally felt I should have won it."

Another regret for Hassan is his failure to underline his skills by performing in one of Europe's major leagues.

Hassan had spells at PAOK Salonika in Greece and Neuchatel Xamax in Switzerland, but like most Egyptian players had to be content with playing in Europe's smaller leagues.

"I've played abroad in Greece and Switzerland, but I would also like to have played in Germany, Italy or Spain," said Hassan.

"It just didn't happen. I didn't have any offers."

But for all the regrets and missed opportunities, the undeniable fact is that Hassan has scored goals for whoever he has played.

The colourful striker may have grown older - as the shaven head testifies - but the successes keep coming.

Hassan last reached an African Champions League final in 1987, when he was playing for Al Ahly, but he will be turning out in the colours of Zamalek in this year's final.