The Head Coach of the Egypt national football team, Hector Cuper says playing Ghana was tough for his players after the Pharaoh’s drew 1-1 with the Black Stars at the Cape Coast Stadium in the final 2018 World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
After his three years absence from the team, Mahmoud Shikabala handed Egypt the lead in the 61st minute but three minutes after, Edwin Gyasi restored parity for the Black Stars with his debut goal.
The Black Stars had a glorious opportunity to snatch victory in the dying minutes of the match when defender Daniel Amartey got his head on the ball from a cross as Egypt goalkeeper Ekramy struggled to save before it was finally cleared from the Egyptian defence.
However, speaking during the post -match press conference, Hector stated that although they knew playing Ghana was going to be a difficult task, their plan was to have possession of the ball often.
“I think it was a very tough game, for the first time in my opinion I think it was acceptable especially supporting attack we would like to play better, we would like to take possession of the ball maybe better than we did during the game.”
Hector further expressed his satisfaction about the game, adding that he decided to give other players the chance to showcase their talents.
“We saw that it would be a very difficult game because we were playing at a very strong level like Ghana and we tried some new things and some new players. Above all I am satisfied for the directions of the game.”
Hector decided to drop Liverpool star Mohamed Salah from the squad to give him a break after an intense start of the European season.
It’s the first time that Egypt is qualifying to the World Cup in nearly three decades but would have to wait till December to know their group opponents in the 2018 World Cup.
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